Early winter break announced for Delhi schools due to air pollution

NEW DELHI, Nov. 8– The Delhi government announced an early winter break for all schools on Wednesday as a precautionary measure against the rising levels of air pollution in the Indian capital. The 11- day winter vacation for all schools in Delhi, which usually takes place in early January every year, would begin with effect from Thursday. The Delhi government’s…

NEW DELHI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) — The Delhi government announced an early winter break for all schools on Wednesday as a precautionary measure against the rising levels of air pollution in the Indian capital.

The 11-day winter vacation for all schools in Delhi, which usually takes place in early January every year, would begin with effect from Thursday.

The air quality index (AQI) in and around Delhi has been worsening, with an average AQI being above 450 which falls in the “Severe” category.

On Wednesday evening, the AQI near Delhi’s international airport was recorded at 468 in terms of PM 10, while near the Delhi University area, it was 456 in terms of PM 2.5, according to the live data released by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

The Delhi government’s Directorate of Education said that with rising air pollution levels, the winter break for the session 2023-24 was ordered to be preponed so that schools could be totally closed and both children and teachers could stay at home.

Meanwhile, as another measure to check the rising air pollution, the Delhi government also banned the entry of app-based cabs registered in other states.

Other restrictions, like the ban on construction and demolition activities, as well as the “Odd-Even Formula” which aimed at cutting the number of vehicles on roads, have already been in place in Delhi. Enditem