Delhi, a metropolis with a staggering 30 million residents, is grappling with an air pollution emergency, leading to extended school closures and a significant shift in the educational landscape????. Every autumn, the city is engulfed in a thick blanket of smog, a situation that has not only prompted concerns for public health but has also forced the government to take drastic measures to protect its youngest citizens. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a perilous 460, the levels of PM2.5 particles have surged, posing serious health risks, especially to children and the elderly??.
Government’s Response to the Crisis
In response to the escalating crisis, the Delhi government has announced the continuation of school closures for primary students up to class 5 until November 10. Students from grades 6-12, while not mandated to stay home, are given the option to continue their education online. This move comes as medical professionals express increasing concern over respiratory and eye issues that have become more prevalent due to the smog?2?. With PM2.5 levels reaching 570 micrograms per cubic meternearly 40 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organizationthe government’s air pollution control plan has been activated, which includes banning polluting vehicles and halting construction activities??.
The Impact on Daily Life and Long-Term Health
The smog crisis in Delhi is expected to persist for several weeks, with severe implications for daily life and long-term health outcomes. A study by the University of Chicago has indicated that the life expectancy of Delhi’s residents could be reduced by nearly 12 years due to the air pollution. The city’s AQI has seen a dramatic rise, with the 24-hour average AQI reaching levels not seen since November 2021. This situation is exacerbated by the burning of paddy stubble in neighboring states, among other factors?2?. The crisis has also affected international events, with teams cancelling pre-match training sessions for a cricket World Cup match scheduled in the city, citing health risks from the smog??.
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