KATHMANDU, Dec 2: All schools in New Delhi will remain closed from Friday until further notice amid worsening levels of air pollution in India's national capital.
The decision comes a day after the Supreme Court came down heavily on the decision of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government to resume physical classes for children even as the air quality is deteriorating further, according to Indian media reports.
Schools close as smog-laden India capital considers lockdown
Earlier, the Delhi government had suspended physical classes in school when the pollution level in the city reached its peak. However, the physical classes resumed from November 29 with many schools holding examinations.
The Supreme Court in its ruling had asked why children were being forced to go to school when work from home arrangements had been implemented for adults.
The pollution levels in Delhi worsened on Thursday as air quality went into the severe category from Wednesday's 'very poor'. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’ (CPCB) website, the hourly air quality index (AQI)) of Delhi stood at 416 at 7 am on Thursday. The average 24-hour AQI of the city on Wednesday was 370, according to a report published by ABP News.
The slow wind speed due to the western disturbance allowed the accumulation of pollutants and thus, increased the air pollution levels, according to officials.The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) read 370. It stood at 328 on Tuesday.
