In brief
As the Indian capital grapples with a significant air quality crisis, authorities have taken the dramatic step of closing all primary schools to protect the health of children amidst hazardous smog.
The chief minister of Delhi, Atishi Marlena Singh, announced the closures via a post on X, stating that education will shift to an online format until further notice due to the city being enveloped in thick smog. Currently, pollution levels in Delhi and its surrounding areas have been classified as hazardous for human health, as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) soared to over 50 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). On Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded an average of 254 PM 2.5 particles per cubic meter of air in Delhi, starkly exceeding the WHO's safety guideline of 15 per 24-hour period. Such levels of fine particulate matter can deeply affect lung health and contribute to a range of serious ailments, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children.Moreover, particulate matter known as PM 10 hit an alarming average of 495, over 10 times the acceptable limit. The neighboring cities, including Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh, also reported hazardous air pollution conditions, resulting in widespread eye irritation and respiratory troubles among residents.A notable study published in The Lancet highlighted the severe consequences of poor air quality, attributing 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi to fine particulate pollution. While meteorologists anticipate a potential reduction in pollution levels in the coming days, conditions will remain unhealthy.In an effort to mitigate the pollution crisis, Delhi authorities have initiated several measures, such as spraying roads with water mixed with dust suppressants and banning non-essential construction activities. Despite these attempts, critics argue that these measures have had minimal impact on improving air quality.The tragic smog conditions have garnered international attention, with satellite images from NASA vividly portraying the pollution plume extending from northern India into Pakistan. Just earlier this month, similar air quality issues in Lahore resulted in temporary school closures in that city as well.
