Delhi NCR school closure mandatory, not optional, as AQI sees scant improvement in 'severe' category: Check CAQM revised guidelines here
Published On : 2024-11-21T15:36:46+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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RepresentationalNCR schools to close under new guidelines:The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has updated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) making school closures mandatory in Delhi and key NCR districts during Stage 3 and Stage 4 air quality emergencies
The revised guidelines are applicable to areas with severe air quality including Gurugram Faridabad Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Previously the decision to implement such measures was left to state governments but this change enforces uniformity in response to hasardous pollution levels
Additional measures introduced under stage 3
As part of Stage 3 guidelines state governments are now required to stagger the operating hours of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and nearby districts. However for other NCR districts decisions regarding office timings remain at the discretion of the respective state governments.
Changes for educational institutions
Under the revised plan these measures are now compulsory for Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Other NCR districts still retain flexibility in implementing school-related measures.
The revised GRAP guidelines highlight the need for proactive measures to combat air pollution. By mandating school closures and restructuring office operations the CAQM aims to mitigate the risks posed by persistent smog and hasardous air conditions. However the effectiveness of these measures will depend
Intervention by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court had earlier criticised the CAQM for delaying the implementation of strict measures under Stages 3 and 4 of GRAP. Highlighting the urgent need to protect children and residents from worsening air quality the court ordered immediate action including school closures across NCR
Persistent severe air quality across NCR
Delhi’s air quality remains a serious concern with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying in the severe category. On Monday and Tuesday AQI levels surpassed 450 reaching the "Severe Plus" category. By Wednesday the 24-hour average AQI slightly improved to 419 but remained firmly in the severe
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas such as Anand Vihar (406), Jahangirpuri (437) and Nehru Nagar (410) recorded severe AQI levels on Thursday morning.
Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles
Tags : Air Quality Index , severestage 4 air quality emergencies , measuresdecisions regarding office timings remain , The Commission , Stage , Central Pollution Control Board , Gautam Buddh Nagar , Thursday , Faridabad , Graded Response Action Plan ,
Summary :
RepresentationalNCR schools to close under new guidelines:The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has updated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) making school closures mandatory in Del