Delhi Air Pollution: SC Orders Closure of Schools for Classes 10, 12 in Delhi-NCR
The Supreme Court of India has issued an order for the closure of schools for class 10 and 12 in Delhi-NCR considering the depleting AQI. Check details here.
Delhi Pollution: The Supreme Court of India has issued an order for the closure of schools for classes 10 and 12 across Delhi-NCR due to the depleting air quality in the area. The court when issuing the order emphasized the need for all educational institutions to switch to online classes as a precautionary measure against hazardous air pollution levels.
Earlier, the state government suspended physical classes for students except for grades 10 and 12. According to the new order, however, all classes will resume online until further notice if the weather conditions improve. The court further questioned the government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) over the delay in invoking the preventive measures under GRAP stages.
Team Setup to Enforce GRAP 4 Restrictions
The SC has asked the government to set up teams to enforce GRAP 4 restrictions which will remain in effect even if the AQI is below 450. The SC bench stated that it is the constitutional duty of the states to ensure all citizens live in a pollution-free environment.
The court has also asked all of Delhi-NCR to immediately take a decision on conducting offline classes for students until class 12 and directed to set up a mechanism where complaints can be made in case of violation under GRAP 4.
Delhi AQI Exceeds 1100
The Air quality has worsened in Delhi to a severe plus category today with an AQI recorded at 1300 to 1600. Authorities have implemented pollution control measures including a ban on trucks and suspension of construction of public projects.
The court has asked the government and NCR to file their compliance affidavit by November 22 on the implementation of preventive measures.
GRAP-IV Measures Implemented
According to the measures implemented, trucks coming into Delhi have been banned except for those carrying essential items or those using clean fuel like LNG, CNG, BS-VI Diesel or Electric. All non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi have also been prohibited except for electric vehicles and CNG and BS-VI diesel vehicles. All Delhi-registered BS-VI or older Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are also banned except for those in essential services.
Sherin is an education journalist with over 7 years of experience. Over her tenure of working with top media houses like Careers 360 and then Jagran Josh, Sherin has covered various entrance examinations liek JEE Main, NEET, CUET, GATE, etc. as well as various state board and CBSE results. Her understanding of the education ecosystem coupled with her own experience of teaching as an Assistant Professor of nearly 2 years helps her provide a comprehensive perspective to students. She has a Masters Degree in Communication from Madras Christian College. Apart from covering education news, Sherin also enjoys reading and cooking.
