Schools in Indian capital closed again over air quality crisis
NEW DELHI: DEC. 2 – The Indian capital’s local administration said on Thursday that schools will stay closed till additional instructions are issued regarding the air quality situation. Physical education lessons will be suspended beginning on Friday.
“Because the air quality was predicted to improve, we reopened schools. However, due to increased air pollution, we have decided to close schools on Friday until further notice “Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, added.
Rai’s declaration came shortly after the Supreme Court of India chastised him. The Supreme Court issued a strong warning and a 24-hour deadline to the federal government, New Delhi, and bordering states to take action against industrial and vehicular pollution, which are seen as the primary culprits to the capital’s worsening air quality.
The Delhi administration was also chastised by the court for reopening schools. “Three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home,” the court reportedly said to the Delhi government. Physical courses in schools, universities and other educational institutions resumed on Monday after being closed since November 13.
Because to the exploding of firecrackers during the traditional festival of lights, Diwali, the capital’s air quality deteriorated drastically last month.
New Delhi is one of the world’s most polluted cities. Along with rapid development, industrial operations and automobile traffic are key sources to air pollution in the city.
The Delhi administration has blamed air pollution in the capital city on stubble burning in neighboring states. However, the federal government has told the court that stubble burning accounts for only 4% of air pollution.
-Agency
