Schools go hybrid as Delhi chokes on toxic smog

International

THICK toxic air has gripped Delhi, pushing authorities to impose emergency measures while schools adapt to a hybrid schedule.

Primary students will attend a mix of in-person and online classes, and non-essential construction has been suspended as the city battles one of its worst pollution spikes.

In a report by BBC, air quality in the capital reached alarming levels on Wednesday, with PM2.5 concentrations hitting 438, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

These fine particles, according to the report, are nearly 30 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe 24-hour limit and eight times above India’s national average, posing serious health risks—particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Doctors have urged residents to minimize outdoor exposure and to wear protective masks when venturing outside becomes unavoidable.

Delhi’s pollution problem is complex and seasonal. Experts cite a combination of factors including low wind speeds, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, dropping winter temperatures, and the burning of crop residue in neighboring states.

In response, the Delhi government enforced Stage 3 of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Tuesday. Measures under this stage include a ban on mining, stone crushing, and the movement of vehicles carrying dust-generating materials.

The worsening air quality has also sparked public protests and political tensions. Last weekend, residents demonstrated over the hazardous conditions.

On Tuesday, Saurabh Bhardwaj of the opposition Aam Aadmi Party accused the Delhi government of “manipulating” air quality data and failing to protect public health. He highlighted that despite alleged data manipulation, the city’s air quality remains alarming and called for a public health emergency.

The BJP-led Delhi government rejected the allegations. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated in a BBC report, “Our government is working with full seriousness and promptness towards pollution control.”

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa added that air quality readings are publicly available and that water sprinkling near monitors was carried out only to reduce dust, not to alter data.(MyTVCebu)