New Delhi: Delhi has ordered all primary schools to switch to online classes due to worsening pollution, with the smog so dense that it obscured the Taj Mahal, located over 100 miles away.
The city, home to more than 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted during winter, with air quality so poor it’s estimated to shorten life expectancy by up to seven years.
Despite various government initiatives, the pollution crisis remains unresolved and continues to disrupt daily life.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi announced on social media that all primary schools would be moving to online classes due to the rising pollution levels. The smog also led to widespread flight and train delays, and hospitals saw an increase in patients suffering from breathing and digestive issues linked to the pollution.
To curb the crisis, the government banned non-essential construction and urged citizens to use public transport and avoid burning coal and wood for heating.
Air quality in northern India has been worsening, with PM2.5 pollutant levels soaring over 50 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit.
Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 14, 2024
The smog is largely attributed to stubble burning by farmers, industrial emissions, and traffic fumes, compounded by cooler temperatures and stagnant winds that trap pollutants each winter.
While India’s Supreme Court declared clean air a fundamental human right and demanded action, political disagreements between rival states and national authorities have hindered progress.
Delhi’s government has rolled out several initiatives, but critics argue they are insufficient, with a new plan to use drones to spray water mist dismissed as another short-term solution.
The smog crisis also comes as global emissions are on track to hit a record high this year, further exacerbating the environmental and public health challenges.
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