Delhi air pollution: Delhi schools resume amid 'very poor' air quality status

Delhi air pollution: Delhi's educational institutions witnessed a return to normalcy as all government-aided and private schools reopened on November 20, following the lifting of Stage IV curbs of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision to resume physical classes for all grades was made as a result of improved air quality in the national capital, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management.

An order from the Delhi government stated that the AQI had shown improvement, with no foreseeable degradation in the near future, leading to the revocation of Stage IV measures under GRAP. However, outdoor sports activities and morning assemblies remained suspended for a week as a precautionary measure.

With the alleviation of GRAP 4 restrictions, medium and heavy goods vehicles were once again permitted to operate within the city.

Despite the reopening of schools, the air quality in Delhi lingered in the 'very poor' category, registering an AQI of 310 on Monday morning. Data from SAFAR-India indicated an AQI of 310 at 8:30 am, maintaining the 'very poor' classification.

Central Pollution Control Board statistics revealed concerning AQI levels across various locations: Anand Vihar at 361, Alipur at 368, Ashok Vihar at 342, ITO at 318, and RK Puram at 344, all falling within the 'very poor' category.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai cautioned the public despite the air quality improvements, emphasizing the necessity of continued adherence to rules under GRAP stages 1, 2, and 3. Rai stressed the importance of sustained vigilance to preserve the progress made in air quality.

- With inputs from agencies

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