Delhi Schools Closed Again due to Air Pollution

Source: NDTV Education

All schools in Delhi will be closed from tomorrow till further orders, due to current air pollution levels in the city, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. The announcement was made by the minister after the Supreme Court’s criticism of the Delhi government decision to reopen schools. The top court today gave a 24 hour ultimatum to centre, Delhi and other neighboring states to take action to control pollution in the National Capital Region.

"We had reopened schools considering the forecast that air quality would improve. However, the air pollution levels have increased again and we have decided to shut schools from Friday till further orders," Mr. Rai said.

On November 24, despite recording ‘very poor’ air quality, schools were allowed to reopen for physical classes. Parents had mixed reactions to the decision of the national capital government.

The Supreme Court of India on December 2 expressed dissatisfaction with the measures taken by the Delhi government to control air pollution. Pollution levels have increased in Delhi despite the state government claims, the top court said.

The Supreme Court criticized the Delhi government’s decision to reopen schools and said that "three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home". "We will appoint somebody to administer your government."
 

Also read: Delhi Schools and Colleges, Shut due to Pollution, Reopen on Monday