Delhi government on Thursday announced that private as well as government schools will be closed down for the next two days in view of the rising pollution levels in the national capital. Thus, the schools will remain shut on Friday (November 3) and Saturday (November 4).
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal took to social media platform X to announce the decision. He wrote, "In light of the rising pollution levels, all govt and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 2 days."
MCD announces classes to be conducted in online mode
In a separate communication, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said physical classes in its schools will remain closed for the next two days. "In pursuance to order of Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, it is decided that classes will be held through online mode in all MCD and MCD-aided schools on November 3 and 4. However, schools will remain open for teachers and staff," the civic body stated.
Delhi Metro to run 20 extra trains: DMRC
Delhi Metro will run 20 extra train trips across its network starting November 3 in view of the measures taken by pollution control authorities on Thursday to encourage more and more people to use public transport in Delhi and neighbouring cities, officials said.
"In view of the implementation of GRAP-III stage to combat pollution in Delhi, the DMRC will be further adding 20 extra trips across its network starting tomorrow i.e, 3rd November 2023 (Friday)," the DMRC said in a statement.
Delhi Metro is already running 40 additional train trips on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from October 25 onwards when GRAP-II stage had come into force. "Thus, from tomorrow, the DMRC will be running a total of 60 additional trips as part of its measures taken under GRAP to encourage more and more people to use public transport in Delhi-NCR," it added.
Earlier in the day, Centre imposed Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the air quality in the city deteriorated and entered the 'severe' category. Under the GRAP stage III, non-essential construction work in Delhi-NCR has been banned along with a ban on the entry of diesel-guzzling trucks into the capital.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 343 on Thursday (November 2) morning bringing the air quality under the 'very poor' category for the fifth day in a row. As per the SAFAR-India, the city's AQI has been in the 'very poor' category since Sunday (309).
ALSO READ | Delhi's air quality deteriorates, Centre imposes GRAP III, bans non-essential construction work
ALSO READ | Delhi's air quality deteriorates, AQI 'very poor' for fifth day in row
