Delhi Schools, Colleges To Reopen On November 29 As Air Quality Improves

Schools, Colleges in Delhi can reopen on November 29, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. The National Capital government on November 13 had ordered closure of schools for a week, and later extended it until further notice, considering the poor air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Here are 10 points on Delhi school reopening:

1. WIth an improvement in the air quality, schools, colleges and other educational institutions have been allowed to reopen, Mr Rai said in a press conference.

2. “If we look at the average air quality index, Delhi has reached the pre-diwali state. Pollution levels had started increasing after Diwali…following which many restrictions were imposed.”

3. “Today, we conducted a review meeting with officials…schools, colleges, other educational institutions will reopen on Monday….” the minister said.

4. The air quality in the national capital has improved, but it is still in the “very poor” category.

5. Earlier today, the Supreme Court told the government, “This is the national capital. Look at the signal we are sending to the world. You have to predict the situation based on statistics… and take action in anticipation so that the situation does not go severe.”

6. “Even if the pollution level goes down now, we will continue to hear this case and issue directions,” the top court said.

7. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 13 announced schools will be closed for a week starting from Monday. A day later, on November 14, the Haryana government announced closure of schools in four cities — Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhijar — till November 17.

8. On November 16, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) suggested different measures to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which included closing schools until further notice.

9. Delhi’s air quality remained “very poor” on Sunday morning and the government announced extension of schools, colleges closure beyond November 13, the deadline set by Mr Kejriwal.

10. “The environment department has directed to close all the schools with immediate effect till further orders of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas. Therefore, all government and private schools will remain closed till further orders,” Additional Director of Education Rita Sharma had said.