Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Kejriwal notifies closure of primary schools & outdoor activities

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a joint press conference with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Friday has announced the closure of all primary schools in Delhi beginning on Saturday due to the pollution crisis in the Delhi-NCR. Additionally, all classes above class 5 will be barred from participating in outdoor activities.

"We're taking all steps to control the pollution situation. In lieu of that, we're shutting down all primary schools in Delhi from tomorrow. Also shutting down outdoor activities for all classes above class 5," he said.

"Air pollution is a North India problem. AAP, Delhi Govt or Punjab govt are not solely responsible. Now not the time for blame game, " said CM Arvind Kejriwal while highlighting air pollution in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh districts.



AAP supremo added that they are mulling whether the odd-even scheme for vehicles should be implemented.

In order to address the issue of air pollution in north India, CM Kejriwal requested the Central government to take the necessary steps. He added that despite just having been in office for six months in Punjab, occurrences of stubble burning will dramatically decrease by the next year.

Talking about stubble burning in Punjab, Kejriwal said, "We will try for crop diversification we will try to move our farmers from rice to other crops in Punjab."

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has convened a high-level meeting today to discuss the implementation of curbs on polluting activities under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had on Wednesday asked the Delhi government to shut schools till air quality in the capital improves.

The SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) Friday revealed that the stubble-burning contributed 34 per cent in Delhi's PM 2.5 pollution.

On Friday morning, Delhi's total Air Quality Index (AQI) increased to 472, indicating that the city's air quality remained in the "severe" category. According to data released by SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) India, Gurugram's AQI stood at 539 and continued to be in the "severe" category, while Noida's AQI, which is a part of the national capital region, recorded an AQI of 562, and continued to be in that category.

When the Air Quality Index is between 0 and 100, it is good; when it is between 100 and 200, it is moderate; when it is between 200 and 300, it is bad; when it is between 300 and 400, it is very poor; and when it is between 400 and 500 or above, it is severe.