Anukkriti Tomar
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and NCR has reached dangerously high levels, crossing 450, placing it in the 'severe+' category since November 17.
In response to the hazardous AQI, physical classes in all schools in Gautam Buddha Nagar have been suspended until November 23, and classes will be held online instead.
The District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar issued an order on November 18, implementing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which mandates online classes for all educational institutions.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) announced that all classes will be conducted online until November 22 due to the worsening pollution levels in Delhi.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi also shifted all academic activities to online mode starting November 19 due to the hazardous air quality.
The AQI in Delhi remained in the 'severe+' category for the second consecutive day, with a recorded AQI of 488 on November 19, which is considered hazardous for health.
The high AQI poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions.
The air quality continues to worsen, with smog covering the city and significantly reducing visibility, exacerbating the pollution problem.
In response to severe pollution, the Supreme Court issued an advisory for all litigants and advocates to wear masks and take necessary health precautions.
The deteriorating air quality is not limited to Delhi but has also affected other major cities like Mumbai and parts of northern India, raising public health concerns.