MCD schools to be closed today

While the national Capital is reeling under heavy pollution level, the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs) have announced to shutdown their schools on Saturday and to cancel all types of celebrations in the coming days. Private schools in Delhi have already implemented measures to avoid breathing in the toxic air and have issued notices for suspension of classes and cancelled sport meets. The Corporations have also announced to check leaf and garbage burning, a major reason for smog these days, to take strict measures against sanitation staff for failing to stop the practice.

Following relentless bursting of crackers during Diwali, low pressure winds flowing from the eastern side, combined with dipping temperatures, have prevented fresh air from reaching the region of Delhi. 

According to data recorded by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), levels of Particulate Matter (PM) in the city reached a record 500 mark on Wednesday. Following the report, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had asked the Delhi government to issue health alerts and convey that children should stay indoors as there is a state of health emergency due to peaking air pollution.

The Municipal bodies have also been instructed to prevent any form of solid burning in wards falling under their jurisdictions following which they said that the officials concerned should be held responsible for open burning of leaves across the city. They said that concerned Assistant Sanitary Inspector and Sanitary Inspector should be held responsible and action be taken against them if leaves are found burning on roadside/footpath. 

“In case where leaves are being burnt in park, Section Officer of the Horticulture department of the respective area should be held responsible. The Zonal Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure that there is strict compliance of NGT guidelines and issue of challans in case of violation,” said the officials.