Delhi’s air pollution levels improved marginally to the low end of the “very poor” category on Sunday after the Centre’s air quality panel lifted fresh restrictions imposed three days ago.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will chair a high-level meeting today to discuss the new directions of the Air Quality Panel and the decision to re-open primary schools and revoke orders for 50 per cent government employees to work from home. Chances are. To be taken as per the officials of Delhi Govt. The decision regarding the cancellation of the work from home order and the reopening of primary schools is to be taken by the Delhi government.
The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday stood at 339 at 4 pm, up from 381 the day before. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, it was 447 on Friday.
It had touched 450 on Thursday, a notch below the ‘severe plus’ category, prompting the authorities to implement the final phase of anti-pollution restrictions, including a ban on non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles. was.
Alarming pollution levels prompted the Delhi government on Friday to announce that primary schools would remain closed from Saturday and 50 per cent of its staff would work from home, while private offices were advised to follow suit.
With a call to reopen schools on Monday, parents also urged the government to take steps to ensure that children do not face learning loss.
Delhi Parents Association president Aparajita Gautam asked how long the children would face this uncertainty.
“What will parents do? I’m ready to send my child to school if the air quality improves, but now instead of working to stop the pollution, the government is taking year-long measures to reduce it.” Should do. When the air quality has become critical. category, we had demanded closure of the school,” she told news agency PTI.
Lawyer and mother Tanya Aggarwal also asked whether the government would revoke the school closure order.
“Hi @ArvindKejriwal – If @CAQM_Official lifts Stage IV, is @Dir_Education revoking school closure order? Or will schools remain closed and commercial activity resumes when trucks and diesel cars return? Ever thought of just fixing the sources of #AirPollution. Feedback?” He tweeted.
“As the current AQI level of Delhi is around 339, which is about 111 AQI points below the threshold for implementing GRAP Phase-IV actions (Delhi AQI > 450) and preventive/mitigation/mitigation measures under all phases up to Phase-IV. Preventive actions are ongoing, AQI is likely to continue to improve.
*With inputs from agencies
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