Around 1,800 primary schools in New Delhi were ordered to be closed today as the Indian capital struggles to cope with the worst pollution in recent years.
The decision affects around nine lakh children studying at schools run by the municipal corporations in a city which has been enveloped by thick smog since last Sunday, reports our New Delhi correspondent.
Data from the city's pollution monitoring agency showed that concentrations of Particulate Matter or PM 10 (coarser pollutants) was over 1,200 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of 100 around 9:00am in East Delhi's Anand Vihar locality.
PM 2.5, a standard measure of air quality, was as much as 13 times the safe limit.
These particles can cause respiratory diseases if one is subjected to prolonged exposure to unsafe levels.
"It has been decided to keep the municipal schools shut on Saturday [today] because of smog in Delhi. The schools will operate as normal from Monday," says a spokesman for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Some schools have shifted the time of outdoor activities of students due to the alarming level of air pollution.
New Delhi's air quality has worsened over the years, a consequence of rapid urbanisation that brings pollution from diesel engines, coal-fired power plants and industrial emissions.
Delhi also suffers from atmospheric dust, burning of crop stubble in farms and building construction in nearby states and pollution from open fires lit by urban poor to keep warm in winter or to cook food.
The latest pollution crisis began in the aftermath of the celebrations last Sunday night for Diwali (Festival of Light) when millions of firecrackers were set off, leaving the city blanketed in smog overnight.
On Friday, the environment ministry called a meeting with officials of neighbouring states to discuss ways to combat pollution.
A report released by UNICEF on Monday had said around 6 lakh children under the age 5 die every year of diseases caused by or exacerbated by outdoor and indoor air pollution.
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