Delhi: Schools reopen after extended Diwali break due to air pollution

Amid fluctuating air quality in capital, schools have reopened after an extended Diwali break. Students were seen using anti-pollution masks to prevent health hazards. Owing to deteriorating air conditions, Delhi government decided to shut all schools till vember 5. Supreme Court had passed mandated and declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR region in wake of rising level of pollution. While pollution level has decreased,  Air Quality Index still remains in 'poor' category.

According to AQI data, On vember 6, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor' category in Lodhi Road area. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in 'severe plus' category. Taking cognisance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR after it crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency.

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Delhi CM's Odd-Even anuncement 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had anunced during media briefing on October 17 that Odd-Even scheme would be implemented in Delhi from vember 4 to vember 15 due to increased pollution in city. Under scheme, vehicles with even number plates will be allowed to ply on even dates, whereas on odd dates, odd-numbered vehicles will be allowed to ply.  CM gave a detailed report of Odd-Even scheme and exemptions under scheme. scheme will be applicable on vehicles coming from or states, and will only be applicable on n-transport four-wheeler vehicles. Two-wheelers will be exempted from odd-even scheme. He also added that 16-night teams have been deployed for vigilance amongst or measures to curb pollution. 

Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also urged people to abide by scheme.

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