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November 18, 2024 | 04:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The capital city of India, New Delhi, ceased in-person classes for schools on Monday, November 18, until further notice as toxic smog worsened.
The PM2.5 pollutant level in New Delhi surged past 60 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum. The pollutant carries dangerous cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs.
Citing Reuters, the smog in New Delhi—a toxic blend of smoke and fog—happens each year in winter as cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from illegal farm fires in some surrounding states.
According to Channel News Asia, restrictions are imposed by city authorities "in an effort to prevent further deterioration" of the air quality.
Authorities hope that by keeping children at home, traffic congestion will significantly decrease. "Physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12," Chief Minister Atishi, who uses one name, said in a statement late on Sunday.
Primary schools have been instructed to stop in-person classes on Thursday. Additional restrictions were imposed on Monday, including restrictions on diesel-powered trucks and construction.
The government advises children and the elderly, as well as those with lung or heart problems, to stay indoors as much as possible. Many in the city cannot afford air filters, nor do they have homes they can effectively seal from the misery of dangerous, foul-smelling air.
The order came into effect on Monday morning.
New Delhi and its surrounding metropolitan areas, home to over 30 million people, consistently rank as the world's top for air pollution in the winter season. Colder temperatures and gentle winds worsen the situation by trapping deadly pollutants every winter, which lasts from mid-October to at least January.
The Indian Supreme Court ruled last month that clean air is a fundamental human right. The court ordered the central government and state-level authorities to take action.
CHANNEL NEWS ASIA | REUTERS
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