Amidst poor air quality levels in Delhi, schools reopened here on Monday. The AQI in the national capital was 338 at 8am today. All government-aided and private schools were reopened on Monday.
Schools in Delhi were shut down and a winter break was announced on November 8 amid rising pollution in the city and growing health concerns. Restrictions under GRAP stage-IV regulations were revoked on Saturday following a forecast by IMD/IITM that there was no indication of sharp degradation in Delhi’s air quality in immediate future. However, restrictions continue for outdoor sports activities and morning assemblies for one week.
The Delhi government, in an order on Saturday said, “Seeing that the Air Quality Index has improved and as per the forecast made by IMD/IITM there is no indication of any shar degradation in Air Quality of Delhi in near future, the Sub-Committee on GRAP has revoked their order vide which action under Stage IV of GRAP had been invoked.”
The AQI in Delhi was 338 on Monday morning from 301 at 4pm and 290 at 7am on Sunday. The 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4pm every day, was 319 on Saturday, 405 on Friday and 419 on Thursday. Neighbouring Ghaziabad (306), Gurugram (239), Greater Noida (288), Noida (308) and Faridabad (320) also recorded a dip in air quality.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.
Under stage-IV restrictions, there was ban on entry for polluting trucks and construction works related to linear projects in Delhi. Except for those involved in essential services, only CNG, electric and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states were allowed to enter Delhi. All medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services were also banned in the capital under Stage IV of GRAP.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday said that people should remain vigilant and adhere to pollution control measures. The minister confirmed that other restrictions under stages I, II and III of GRAP will continue in the capital. "We will reassess these restrictions if the situation continues to improve," the minister said.
-with agency inputs.
