Copyright india
Delhi Pollution: The national capital and adjoining NCR have once again been engulfed by a thick layer of smog. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories with several areas of Delhi recording an AQI of 400. Health experts have raised an alarm for residents about serious respiratory hazards advising patients with breathing problems to leave the city for some days. What Did The Environmental Data Say? As per the data breathing air in Delhi-NCR is equal to smoking several cigarettes a day. People living in areas with a ‘very poor Air Quality Index (AQI) are breathing air to the effects of smoking between 6 to 10 cigarettes each day. Those living in ‘severe zone’ are exposed to toxic air equivalent of 16 to 20 cigarettes per day. Why Have Schools Halted Outdoor Activities? As the overall air quality of the national capital plunged to very poor and severe categories schools have suspended their outdoor activities. The institutions have moved activities like morning assemblies physical education classes and playground sessions to indoors in order to protect students from the exposure of the toxic air. Some schools have installed air purifiers in the classrooms. Winter Action Plan Directions have been given to government and private schools to adhere the Winter Action Plan to ensure children’s safety. The plan has been made as a preventive step to limit the exposure of the toxic air and ensure clean indoor environment. Will School Close Amid Severe Pollution? Amid the deteriorating air it is expected that the Delhi government will soon announce the closure of schools. The authorities can also instruct for temporary online classes. Students and parents are encouraged to maintain communication with their schools for additional information. Last year the Delhi government instructed education institutions to shut for weeks following the enforcement of GRAP-IV restrictions. Winter Action Plan Directions have been given to government and private schools to adhere the Winter Action Plan to ensure children’s safety. The plan has been made as a preventive step to limit the exposure of the toxic air and ensure clean indoor environment. Will School Close Amid Severe Pollution? Amid the deteriorating air it is expected that the Delhi government will soon announce the closure of schools. The authorities can also instruct for temporary online classes. Students and parents are encouraged to maintain communication with their schools for additional information. Last year the Delhi government instructed education institutions to shut for weeks following the enforcement of GRAP-IV restrictions. Delhi Weather Update Several states of India may soon feel intense winter chills. The Meteorological Department has warned of increasing cold in northern and central India. As per the weather department snowfall is expected in hilly regions such as Jammu and Kashmir Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In the coming days states like Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Haryana Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will feel winter chills as the temperature is expected to drop further. The mercury has already dropped below 10 degrees Celsius in 12 districts of Rajasthan. This winter is expected to be much colder. What Is IMD’s Latest Forecast For Winter The India Meteorological Department has stated that night temperature to drop sharply in several states specially in the northern region as rain snowfall and cold winds are expected in coming days. The weather department has advised people to take precautions. As per the International Meteorological Department (IMD) the current western disturbance is expected to bring moderate showers and snowfall to hilly state like Jammu and Kashmir Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Plains will experience chilly winds following the snowfall in the mountains causing night temperatures to drop.
