All schools in Delhi, barring classes 10 and 12, have been directed to suspend physical classes until November 10 in view of rising pollution levels. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the decision on Monday, saying that the government is taking all necessary steps to protect the health of children.
“The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated significantly in recent days, and we are taking all necessary steps to protect the health of our citizens. Keeping this in mind, we have decided to suspend physical classes in all schools, except for classes 10 and 12, until November 10,” Rai said.
The decision comes after the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi crossed the “severe” mark on Monday, with the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 454. This is the highest AQI recorded in Delhi this season.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a high-level meeting today to discuss the air pollution situation in the city. The meeting will be attended by Delhi’s Environment Minister and officials of all concerned departments.