Curbs imposed over Delhi air emergency

The federal anti-pollution body, Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM), on Thursday ordered imposition of a series of curbs, including ban on private construction and demolition activities, restricting plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, closing all government and private primary schools for the next two days - all steps under stage 3 of the graded response action plan (Grap) - across the National Capital Region as the air quality dropped to severe much earlier than forecast by the Early Warning System (EWS).

Delhi recorded an average air quality of 392 (very poor) in the 4pm Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). But by 6pm, it dropped to 402, forcing CAQM to review curbs already in place under Grap stage 2 and impose stricter restrictions.

"In light of the rising pollution levels, all government and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next two days," said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on X (formerly Twitter). Under stage 3, state governments can take a call on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class 5, and conducting classes in an online mode, if they deem necessary.