Haryana orders temporary closure of schools up to Class 5 due to rising pollution
PTC Web Desk: Amid worsening air pollution, the Haryana Government has announced the temporary closure of all schools up to Class 5. An official statement revealed that directions for online classes in both government and private schools might be issued soon. This decision comes just days after primary schools in Delhi switched to online learning due to the deteriorating air quality.
In Haryana, the city of Jind recorded its air quality index (AQI) in the "severe" category, while several other areas in the state and neighbouring Punjab also experienced AQI levels between the 'poor' and 'very poor' zones. Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi remained in the 'severe' range for the fourth consecutive day, with the AQI reaching 407 at 9 am on Saturday.
The government's restrictions were imposed under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which was announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management earlier this week. On Friday, the Delhi Government also banned private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, with violators facing a penalty of Rs 20,000. In addition, the entry of inter-state diesel and petrol buses from NCR cities into Delhi has been prohibited, alongside restrictions on certain construction activities. To manage the situation, government office timings have been staggered.
Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi confirmed on Thursday that all schools up to Class 5 would switch to online learning until further notice. Measures are also being taken to protect older students attending classes, including mandatory N95 masks and restrictions on outdoor activities.
The deteriorating air quality has led to a significant rise in respiratory and chest infections at hospitals. PM2.5 levels, which are known to be cancer-causing particles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs, were recorded more than 26 times above the WHO's recommended daily limit in Delhi on Friday morning.
- PTC NEWS
