Delhi blanketed under a thick layer of smog with the Air Quality Index has plunged into the severe zone in many areas, forcing authorities to consider drastic steps.
Breathing the city’s air now equals smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes a day, putting children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues at serious risk. In response, education departments across Delhi-NCR are reviewing the situation and taking precautionary measures.
Delhi Schools Shut Tomorrow
Physical classes have been suspended in several schools in the capital owing to the alarming rise in pollution levels. Although the Delhi government has not issued a blanket closure for all institutions, many public and private schools have decided on their own to cancel in-person attendance on November 11.
In line with the Winter Action Plan, outdoor assemblies, sports and other open-air activities have been stopped. The classrooms have been equipped with purifiers, and schools are monitoring air quality throughout the day.
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Noida Schools Closed Tomorrow
The authorities in Noida have also begun the precautionary drive. Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, a city in the National Capital Region, have suspended physical classes for students up to Class 12 as AQI levels remain alarmingly high.
The district administration urged institutions to hold classes online wherever possible. Officials are reviewing the situation daily and have assured parents that student safety is of utmost concern.
Ghaziabad Schools Closed Tomorrow
In adjoining Ghaziabad, schools have been ordered to be temporarily closed because of unabated smog and an unchanging low visibility level. As has been the case for a few years now, the administration directed schools to decrease children’s and employees exposure.
Last month, the district’s schools shut down during weather related events due to rain and flooding, but this time, the reason is far more worrying unbreathable air.
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Parents Demand Online Classes as Delhi Air Quality Worsens
Parents associations from across the region are asking for immediate return to online mode of schools. They say forcing the children to in-person classes at a time when pollution is high exposes them to severe health risks.
Many have criticized the authorities for not having a stronger response plan despite recurring crises because of pollution. “It’s time to prioritise health over attendance,” said B.S. Vohra, president of the East Delhi RWAs Federation, calling for stricter emergency measures.
Will Authorities Announce School Closure Due to Pollution?
As the AQI has shown no signs of improving, Delhi’s education department may soon declare an official shutdown of schools. Discussions are underway in schools over whether to continue with hybrid learning or completely suspend all offline classes until the air quality stabilises. Parents are advised to keep in contact with the schools for real-time updates.
Delhi AQI: Region-Wise Air Quality Index
The pollution map of Delhi presents a grim picture. The AQI has breached the 400-mark at most monitoring stations: Rohini (434), Jahangirpuri (434), Mundka (431), Wazirpur (428) and R.K. Puram (422) all categorised as Severe.
Places such as ITO, Punjabi Bagh and Chandni Chowk are also showing similar figures with every breath turning toxic, immediate intervention by the government seems inevitable.
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Disclaimer: Information based on current AQI and government advisories. Updates may follow as authorities review Delhi’s air pollution situation.
