"Gas Chamber" Delhi: Severe Air Quality Forces Schools To Reassess Operations

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Delhi has plunged into a severe pollution crisis, transforming the city into what many are calling a “gas chamber” since the last week of October. This alarming situation has also affected neighbouring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged beyond 400 in several locations.

Medical professionals are sounding the alarm, stating that inhaling such toxic air poses significant health risks to all residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

The months of October and November are traditionally challenging for Delhiites, as pollution levels typically reach their peak during this time. The AQI across many areas exceeds 300, with some locations reporting figures well above 400. In response to the worsening air quality, numerous offices have reinstated work-from-home policies, and plans are being discussed to close schools again, a measure referred to as a “pollution break.”

Following Diwali holidays, which ended on November 4, schools reopened but have opted not to hold assemblies or outdoor physical education classes. Many schools have implemented mask mandates for students and are urging parents to keep children indoors to avoid exposure to the hazardous air.

With the Chhath Puja holiday approaching November 7, the Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi, has announced a government holiday. Authorities plan to closely monitor the air quality over the coming days before deciding whether to keep schools closed for an extended period.

Last year, after Diwali, schools in Delhi NCR also closed under a pollution break, a concept introduced in response to the escalating air quality crisis. Many educational institutions transitioned to online classes to complete their syllabi during that time. As the situation evolves, the health and safety of Delhi's schoolchildren remain a pressing concern for parents, educators, and policymakers alike.