Delhi CM distributes masks to students as pollution levels increase

The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 1 distributed masks to students after pollution levels increased in the city. The Delhi government on Wednesday had directed all schools in the national capital to suspend outdoor activities till severe pollution condition persists. The pollution level has deteriorated further in Delhi due to smoke from stubble burning in adjoining states.

Delhi CM distributes masks to school students

Earlier, the Delhi CM said "Fifty lakh N95 masks would be given to students in both government and private schools in Delhi. A kit of mask having two pieces of N95, one of the good quality masks for tackling smog, will be given to students. Masks will be distributed for one week."

According to reports, a few schools have also directed parents to ensure that their wards are wearing the prescribed pollution masks. All outdoor activities have been suspended across many schools in Delhi and adjoining cities of Noida, Faridabad, Gurugram and Ghaziabad. 

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Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had earlier said that the government may consider shutting the schools if the situation worsens and also sent out letters directing schools to suspend outdoor activities. "Outdoor activities and exposure in the polluted atmosphere could have long term detrimental effects on the health of children. All heads of government, as well as private schools, are directed to ensure no outdoor activities are organised in schools till severe pollution condition persists," the Directorate of Education (DoE) said in a letter to schools.

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Delhi wakes up to 'Hazardous' air

Delhi woke up to 'Hazardous' air on Friday as the AQI across the capital city was detected ranging between 690 to 411(Hazardous). The AQI in Anand Vihar, at PM 10 at 690 were detected around 7 am, being the highest in the region. Major pollutants PM 2.5 reached 376 'Very Poor', while PM 10 was 'Poor' which is at 278 at Lodhi Road. Noida and Ghaziabad, adjoining Delhi, were equally polluted. Vasundhara, Ghaziabad AQI was 642 at 8 am. Sector - 62 in Noida recorded an AQI of 606 both Hazardous. Many districts in Punjab had a concentration of 350-450 AQI.

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