Delhi: Schools reopen after extended Diwali break due to air pollution

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 decided to shut all schools till November 5. The Supreme Court had passed the mandated and declared a public health emergency in the Delhi-NCR region in the wake of the rising level of pollution. While the pollution level has decreased, the Air Quality Index still remains in the 'poor' category.

According to the AQI data, On November 6, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor' category in the Lodhi Road area. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category. Taking cognisance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR after it crossed the "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency.

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Delhi CM's Odd-Even announcement 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced during the media briefing on October 17 that the Odd-Even scheme would be implemented in Delhi from November 4 to November 15 due to increased pollution in the city. 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. The CM gave a detailed report of the Odd-Even scheme and the exemptions under the scheme. The scheme will be applicable on vehicles coming from other states, and will only be applicable on non-transport four-wheeler vehicles. Two-wheelers will be exempted from the odd-even scheme. He also added that 16-night teams have been deployed for vigilance amongst the other measures to curb pollution. 

Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also urged the people to abide by the scheme.

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