India : Pollution in Delhi causes schools and colleges to shut down
Authorities in the Indian capital, Delhi, have shut all schools and colleges indefinitely amid the worsening levels of air pollution. Construction work has also been banned until 21st November but an exception has been made for transport and defence-related projects.
Delhi’s air quality continues to be in the ‘very poor’ category for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, as per the System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR). However, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reduced from 396 from Tuesday to 379 today.
Apart from the closure of education institutions, the CAQM has directed that at least 50 per cent of the staff in government offices in Delhi-NCR be allowed to work from home till November 21. In private establishments, the same is to be encouraged in order to cut down on vehicular pollution.
