Delhi Closes Primary Schools Amidst Severe Smog Crisis

All primary schools in Delhi are set to close due to a significant deterioration in air quality, officials have confirmed. Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh announced the move on X, stating that classes will be conducted online until further notice as a dense smog blankets the city.

The Indian capital, along with nearby regions, is grappling with hazardous air pollution levels that pose serious health risks. On Thursday, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exceeded 50 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The seasonal smog in Delhi and northern states is exacerbated by colder temperatures, stagnant air, emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and the widespread practice of burning crop stubble.

According to data from IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring group, Delhi recorded an average PM 2.5 level of 254 micrograms per cubic meter on Thursday, while the WHO’s recommended safe threshold is just 15 over 24 hours. These tiny particles, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, can impact various organs and contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with potential developmental impacts on children.

Larger particulate matter (PM 10) levels were also alarmingly high, reaching an average of 495 micrograms per cubic meter—more than 10 times the daily safe level advised by the WHO.

The crisis extends beyond Delhi; cities such as Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh are also experiencing similarly hazardous air conditions. Residents have reported eye irritation and respiratory difficulties, as noted in local news reports. A study published in The Lancet in July highlighted that approximately 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi could be linked to PM 2.5 exposure.

Although forecasts indicate a slight decrease in pollution levels in the coming days, they are expected to remain in the unhealthy range. Delhi’s authorities have implemented various measures to combat the crisis, such as spraying roads with dust-suppressant water and halting non-essential construction. Residents have also been advised to reduce coal burning.

However, critics argue that these interventions have shown limited success. The severity of the smog is so pronounced that it has been captured in satellite imagery shared by NASA, which shows the pollution stretching across northern India and into Pakistan.

Earlier this month, Lahore in Pakistan faced a similar situation, prompting officials to temporarily shut down its primary schools due to dangerous air quality levels.