Mon Nov 18 07:00:12 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Schools Go Online as Toxic Smog Chokes Capital

**New Delhi, India** – Schools in India’s capital, Delhi, have been ordered to switch to online classes until further notice as hazardous smog blankets the city, reaching its worst levels this season. Authorities implemented the measure as part of a wider effort to combat a severe air pollution crisis.

The air quality index (AQI) in some areas of Delhi soared to a staggering 1081 according to IQAir, while the official 24-hour AQI reading reached 484, classified as “severe plus”—the highest this year. This translates to PM2.5 levels 39 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended levels. The discrepancy in AQI scores stems from variations in national measurement scales.

The toxic smog, a yearly winter phenomenon, is a result of cold air trapping pollutants including dust, emissions, and smoke from agricultural fires in neighboring states. These fires, satellite data suggests, have contributed significantly to the pollution.

In response to the crisis, authorities have also halted construction, banned non-essential trucks from entering the city, and urged residents to stay indoors. While all schools moved to online learning, exceptions were made for students in classes 10 and 12. Many residents, however, lack the resources such as air filters or sealed homes to effectively protect themselves from the harmful air.

Despite the severe conditions, which reduced visibility to just 100 meters, and caused burning eyes and respiratory issues for many, life continues largely as normal for some, with trains and flights operating with minimal delays. The situation is expected to persist, with dense fog forecast for several northern Indian states.

The Supreme Court of India recently declared clean air a fundamental right, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for effective measures to address the recurring pollution crisis. The ongoing measures are a reflection of the government’s attempts to mitigate the health risks associated with this annual environmental disaster.

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