Delhi air quality improves to 'poor' category; schools reopen

The air quality in Delhi seems to be improving. After an extended bout of hazardous levels of pollution, air quality in the national capital and its adjoining areas on Wednesday improved to ‘poor' category due to the positive influence of high-speed winds.  

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AQI improves, smog makes a return

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 8:30 am on Wednesday was 276; it was 381 (very poor) on Tuesday and 494 on Wednesday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
Despite the decrease in the pollutants in the air, Delhiites woke up to hazy skies owing to a layer of thick smog, which seemed to have cleared on Tuesday. At the India Gate, where the air quality remained in the 'unhealthy' category on Wednesday morning, the visibility was poor creating problems for the joggers and the commuters.

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Schools have reopened after an extended Diwali break

Amid the fluctuating air quality in the capital, schools have reopened after an extended Diwali break. Students were seen using anti-pollution masks to prevent health hazards. Owing to the deteriorating air conditions, the Delhi government had decided to shut all schools till November 5. The Supreme Court had passed the mandate and declared a public health emergency in the Delhi-NCR region in the wake of the rising level of pollution.

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About Odd-Even scheme

The Odd-Even scheme of the Delhi Government as a measure to curb air pollution began at 8 am on November 4 and will conclude on November 15. Under the scheme, vehicles with even number plates will be allowed to ply on even dates, whereas, on odd dates, odd-numbered vehicles will be allowed to ply. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gave a detailed report of the Odd-Even scheme and the exemptions under the scheme. The scheme is applicable to vehicles coming from other states, and is only be applicable on non-transport four-wheeler vehicles. Two-wheelers have been exempted from the scheme. He also added that 16-night teams have been deployed for vigilance amongst the other measures to curb pollution.

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(INPUTS FROM ANI)