The 35 million-person metropolis of New Delhi, India, was enveloped in a dense, poisonous haze, making the situation frightening.
Schools in the Indian metropolis of New Delhi will stay closed till November 10 as air pollution soars to 100 times the level recommended by the World Health Organisation, prompting the government to enact strict measures during the pollution season.
“Primary schools in Delhi will remain closed until November 10th as pollution levels continue to remain high,” stated a social media post made by Atishi Marlena, the minister of education for Delhi.
Students in secondary and high school have the choice to switch to online learning.
The air quality index (AQI) increased to 471, which is considered to be a dangerous category, placing the city at the top of the alarming list of the most polluted cities. Lahore, the second-biggest city in Pakistan, continued to rank second with an AQI of 261.
Cities in South Asia were found to have PM2.5 concentrations many times higher than the WHO yearly guideline threshold for air quality.
According to experts, even a brief exposure to the air can have a major negative impact on someone’s health.
