Finance
As the national capital grapples with severe pollution that has sent the air quality index (AQI) plummeting, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced today that primary schools would close on Saturday, while secondary and senior secondary schools would suspend outdoor activities and physical education periods until further orders.
“Keeping in view the prevailing AQI levels of 450 (Severe Category) in Delhi, all the Heads of Govt., Govt. Aided and Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Directorate of Education are directed to remain closed till 08.11.2022 (Tuesday),” an order by the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education read.
The order added that all school activities for students should be held indoors, while directing school heads to communicate the order’s content to parents, students, staff, and SMC members.
According to Dr. Randeep Guleria, a former AIIMS director, children, the elderly, and those with weak lungs and hearts should avoid areas with high pollution levels. Guleria described air pollution as a silent killer, saying, “If you want to go, go during the day when there is sunlight and wear a mask when outside.”
CM Kejriwal, on the other hand, stated that his government is considering implementing the ‘odd-even’ vehicle rationing scheme. Aside from that, the government has announced that 50% of government employees will be able to work from home and that shifts will be staggered.
Kejriwal’s announcements come as the Aam Aadmi Party, which governs both Delhi and Punjab, has been chastised for its handling of the pollution crisis. Despite a string of’very poor’ and’severe’ air days in Delhi, farm fires have increased in Punjab compared to last year.
Source:OCN
