With Delhi and the NCR region facing severe air pollution levels, schools in Delhi and NCR have been closed and shifted to online classes for all students up to Class 12. The decision came after Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan was invoked in the NCR. This move has been followed by Tamil Nadu as well, with schools in five districts being closed due to heavy rainfall. However, the University of Delhi has refuted a fake circular announcing a winter holiday.
Delhi and NCR Battle Severe Air Pollution: Schools Closed, Online Classes Instituted
Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have been grappling with alarming levels of air pollution, prompting authorities to take drastic measures to safeguard public health. As a result, all schools and colleges in the region have been closed, and students up to Class 12 have been shifted to online classes.
The decision to close educational institutions was made after Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was invoked in the NCR. This stage mandates severe restrictions on construction activities, entry of trucks into Delhi, and other pollution-causing practices.
In addition to Delhi, Tamil Nadu has also been affected by severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall has forced the closure of schools in five districts.
Meanwhile, the University of Delhi has dismissed a fake circular that announced a winter holiday. The university clarified that all academic and administrative activities will continue as per schedule.
Background
Air pollution has been a persistent problem in Delhi and the NCR for many years. The region's geography, coupled with high levels of vehicular traffic and industrial activities, contributes to the accumulation of pollutants in the air.
During the winter months, the situation often worsens due to unfavorable weather conditions. Cold temperatures trap pollutants near the ground, leading to a phenomenon known as "smog."
In recent years, the government has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
GRAP is a set of measures that are implemented based on the severity of air pollution levels. It includes five stages, each with progressively stricter restrictions. Stage IV is the most severe stage and involves measures such as school closures and restrictions on construction activities.
2. What is the difference between PM2.5 and PM10?
PM2.5 and PM10 refer to particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers, respectively. PM2.5 is considered more dangerous to human health as it can penetrate deeper into the lungs.
3. What are the health effects of air pollution?
Air pollution can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
4. What can individuals do to reduce air pollution?
5. What is the government doing to address air pollution?
The government has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including:
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