Highlights
- NCPCR asks Delhi chief secretary to consider shutting down schools as air quality worsens
- It said closing schools will be decision in the best interest of Children
- The air quality of Delhi entered in the "very poor" category
Delhi Air Pollution: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Wednesday took sou motu cognizance of the poor air quality in Delhi, asking the chief secretary to consider closing down schools till the time air quality improves in the national capital.
NCPCR wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary asking the government to "consider taking a decision to close down schools till the time the air quality of National Capital improves, in view of the best interest for the children."
The air quality of Delhi on Wednesday entered in the "very poor" category, according to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), and will remain the same on Thursday also.
However, the SAFAR also stated that the air quality in Noida may dip into the "severe" category with PM 2.5 levels expected to reach 415.
With deteriorating air quality, the city doctors have also advised people, especially children and senior citizens, to be indoors. The severe category of air quality calls for health warnings of emergency conditions and even serious risk of respiratory effects in the general public.
Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai also appealed to people to work from home and avoid using private vehicles, amid rising pollution levels in the city.
In Pusa, the AQI was recorded at 359 "very poor" category while PM 10 was reported at 269 under "poor" category.
At Lodhi Road, the Air Quality Index with PM 2.5 concentration was at 326 under the "very poor" category and the PM 10 stood at 239 under the "poor" category. In Ayanagar, the PM 2.5 was at 345, or "very poor" category while the PM 10 reached 299, in the "poor" category.
The Air Quality Index at the city's Mathura Road was also under the "very poor" category with PM 2.5 at 355 and PM 10 concentration at 289 under the "poor" category.
ALSO READ | Air pollution: Delhi govt shifts blame on Centre; appeals people to 'work from home' amid worsening AQI
ALSO READ | Delhi: PM Modi to inaugurate 3024 new flats at Kalkaji under Slum Rehabilitation Project today
