The air pollution levels in Delhi and its neighbouring areas continue to remain in the ‘severe’ category on Sunday morning, for the sixth consecutive day. The pollution levels reached the severe plus category due to unfavourable wind conditions, and particularly calm winds during the night.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital deteriorated from 415 on Saturday evening to 460 at 7 am on Sunday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

As the pollution levels remain high, Delhi's education minister Atishi Marlena announced that primary schools will remain shut till November 10. For higher classes, there will be an option to shift to online classes.

As pollution levels continue to remain high, primary schools in Delhi will stay closed till 10th November.

For Grade 6-12, schools are being given the option of shifting to online classes.— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 5, 2023

Earlier on Thursday, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that both government and private primary schools will be closed for two days.

Also Read: Delhi pollution: Upgrade your mask to keep your lungs safe

According to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's air quality index has increased by more than 200 points between October 27 and November 3. It descanted into the 'severe plus' category (above 450) on Friday. Friday's 24-hour average AQI was at 468, worst since the previous high of 471 recorded on November 12, 2021.

#WATCH | Delhi Fire Services joined hands with the Delhi Government in curbing pollution. Fire tenders sprinkle water in the Hotspot areas of the national capital. pic.twitter.com/J95H0HUJZl

— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2023

The air quality remained a concern in the national capital's neighbouring areas as well — Ghaziabad: 410, Gurugram: 441, Noida: 436, Greater Noida: 467, and Faridabad: 461.

Under the Centre's air pollution control plan, all emergency measures, including a ban on polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and all types of construction, are mandated to be initiated and enforced in the National Capital Region if the AQI crosses the 450-mark.

The officials at the Commission for Air Quality Management, a central government panel that formulates strategies to combat pollution in Delhi-NCR, expect the pollution levels to further decline due to comparatively better meteorological conditions and curbs imposed on certain polluting activities, including non-essential construction work, starting Thursday. The pollution control body had ordered a ban on non-essential construction work and specific categories of polluting vehicles.

On Friday, the commission deferred implementation of stricter measures citing a declining trend in the AQI in the region.

As per an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the capital experiences peak pollution from November 1 to November 15 when the number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases. The Smoke from stubble burning accounted for 24.5% of the PM2.5 pollution in Delhi on Saturday, dropping from 35% on Friday, according to a numerical model-based system developed by the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

Also Read: Delhi air pollution: Sources outside city responsible for deteriorating air quality, says AAP govt

First Published:Nov 5, 2023 9:35 AM IST