Pollution on rise in Delhi, call to shut down schools

Schools in Delhi will remain closed till November 5 in the wake of rising pollution in the national capital. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet said that the schools have been shut due to the increase of smoke coming from the burning of stubble. As the blanket of haze over Delhi has thickened, the overall air quality index has now gone up to “severe plus” or “emergency” category.

The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) has declared a public health emergency in the National Capital Region following severe pollution levels for the fifth consecutive day.

Delhi is hoping for favourable meteorological conditions to blow away the toxic air, as health experts said the hazardous air pollution has become a serious health concern for about 2 crore residents.