New Delhi: Air pollution in Delhi continues to be severe. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research Data, the air quality level is 500 AQI (AIQ) at all 35 monitoring stations. The lowest was recorded in Dwarka (480). As the same situation continued for the second consecutive day, the Meteorological Department has declared an orange alert in the areas.
Considering the high pollution level and the criticism from the Supreme Court, studies in all schools in Delhi, including classes 10 and 12, were completely made online from the previous day. Classes have been moved online in colleges and departments under Delhi University till the 23rd of this month. The Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments have also taken a similar decision. Schools have been closed in Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad and studies have been shifted to online.
The air quality index recorded in many places on Monday was above 700. Visibility has reduced to less than 200 meters. In view of the high pollution, Delhi has started implementing the Graded Response Action Plan Stage – 4 from yesterday. Public and private offices have been asked to work at 50% capacity. The rest have been instructed to work from home. Heavy goods vehicles have been banned. Only essential services are allowed to enter.
Several trains and flights were delayed and diverted due to the severe smog. As many as 22 trains were running late this morning (November 19). 8 flights were diverted.
The Supreme Court on Monday criticized the government for delaying the implementation of regulatory measures to control air pollution. Criticizing the delay in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan Stage – 3, the court also warned against withdrawing the current restrictions until further orders.
