Schools closed in New Delhi due to air pollution | Abroad

The authorities, through chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, told The Times of India, among others, that talks about a total lockdown are still ongoing. Any decision to do so will only be taken in consultation with the government. Earlier, the Indian chief justice called on the federal government on Saturday to come up with an emergency plan to tackle the deadly smog that hangs in the metropolis. He described the situation as “very serious.”

Most polluted capital in the world

Air quality in New Delhi, often referred to as the most polluted capital in the world, has deteriorated almost continuously in recent days. This is a result of the burning of fields after harvesting, the emissions from the transport sector and the heavy industry that runs on coal, but also from open waste incineration and dust clouds.

The air quality index in and around the city rose locally on Saturday to 462 on a scale of 500. That means that breathing poses problems for healthy people and can have serious consequences for people with an underlying disease.

“From Monday, the schools will physically close their doors for a week, but they will continue virtually so that the children do not have to breathe the filthy air. Construction activities are not allowed,” said Kejriwal. He added that all New Delhi government officials will work from home as much as possible and called on office staff at private companies to do the same.

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