India's Delhi closes schools amid smog crisis
November 4, 2022
Indian officials on Friday announced the closure of schools in the capital, Delhi, as the megacity grapples with extreme levels of air pollution.
The city's air quality index surpassed 470, breaching the "hazardous" category.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said primary schools will be shut beginning on Saturday, with outdoor activities also being suspended for older students.
The school closure decision follows an outcry from parents and environmentalists in the city. The smog has enveloped buildings across Delhi, triggering symptoms in residents such as uncomfortable breathing and eye irritation.
The government is also considering stricter measures to protect residents, such as a complete closure of educational institutions and the cessation of all non-emergency commercial activities. The city earlier froze construction and demolition work.
Authorities are also using water sprinklers and anti-smog guns to manage the pollution in the region.
The federal government has warned the "severe" air quality in Delhi will likely persist until Saturday.
Indian government blames neighboring Punjab state
Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav accused the northern Punjab state of causing the smog crisis in Delhi. Punjab is governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, which is in opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.
Yadav believes the Punjab regional government's failure to stamp out crop residue burning in the neighboring state is ultimately the cause of the extreme pollution.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended himself by saying that his government took office only six months ago. He also vowed to tackle stubble burning in his state and said cooperation between the federal and state governments is needed to mitigate pollution levels.
Delhi Chief Minister Kerjiwal said "finger-pointing" over the smog is not a solution to the crisis.
The Indian capital is considered one of the world's most polluted cities, with air quality typically declining in the winter.
wd/nm (AFP, AP, Reuters)