New Delhi: Amid the dipping air quality in the national capital, people have been demanding to close schools concerning the health of children.

However, the Delhi government also plans to temporarily shut down school only if the air quality gets poorer. On November 2, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the decision of closing down school due to bad air quality will be taken after consulting GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan).

Delhi has reeled under ‘severe’ air quality with current Air Quality Index (AQI) at 418. However, the Delhi Environment Minister said the school will be closed down if the AQI breaches 450.

NCPCR Issues Notice

Meanwhile, taking suo moto cognisance, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights  (NCPCR) issued a notice to the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government to suspend all activities in schools till the air quality improves.

दिल्ली में प्रदूषण के ख़तरनाक स्तर के कारण स्कूली बच्चों की सुरक्षा चिंता का विषय है,अभी तक दिल्ली की राज्य सरकार ने इस पर कोई निर्णय नहीं लिया है।
बच्चे स्कूल आने जाने में,खेल के मैदानों में ज़हरीली हवा के प्रकोप में हैं।
ये लापरवाही ग़लत है,इस पर @NCPCR_ नोटिस जारी कर रहा है।

— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) November 2, 2022

Construction Work Halted 

The Delhi government has taken several steps to control air pollution in the city. Earlier on November 2, Arvind Kejriwal ordered to stop all construction work across the city.

“I have directed Labour Minister, Manish Sisodia, to give Rs 5000 pm as financial support to each construction worker during this period, when construction activities are not permitted,” said Kejriwal.