Delhi air pollution: City trudges through another day of 'very poor' air quality

NEW DELHI: Delhi's air quality on Tuesday morning was recorded in 'very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

At 7am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 382, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A thick smog continued to blanket the city, impacting visibility.

Trains continued to operate near New Delhi Railway Station despite the poor air quality.

The CPCB categorizes AQI 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor and 401-500 as severe.

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'Hybrid mode'

Following a Supreme Court order and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directive, Delhi schools are operating in a hybrid mode (both online and in-person). ]

The CAQM stated, "State governments in the NCR shall ensure that all classes up to 12th Standard are conducted in a 'hybrid" mode, i.e., both in "physical" and also in "online" modes, wherever online mode is feasible in the territorial jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar in the NCR." The Delhi Directorate of Education instructed all schools under its jurisdiction to comply.

The Supreme Court, in the case of MC Mehta vs. Union of India, directed CAQM to review its restrictions, noting their impact on education.

The court raised concerns about students missing mid-day meals, lack of online learning resources for some students, and the limited availability of air purifiers in homes, stating, "A large number of students are being deprived of the facility of mid-day meals as schools and anganwadis are closed."

"A large number of students do not have the facilities to take advantage of online education. Many educational institutions do not have the facilities to provide online education. The residences of many students do not have air purifiers, and therefore, there may not be any difference between children sitting at home and those attending school."