Delhi schools closed for a week from Monday due to pollution, says CM Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Delhi schools to remain closed for a week from Monday in view of deteriorating air quality, says Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Earlier today, the Supreme Court suggested 2-day lockdown in Delhi and asked the Delhi government to take immediate measures to improve the air quality.

The decision to close Delhi schools was taken after an emergency meeting held by CM Arvind Kejriwal. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Delhi Chief Secretary also attended the meeting.

On November 1, all schools, colleges and educational institutions resumed offline classes after the Delhi government and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) gave its permission. However, after Diwali, the air quality in the national capital deteriorated.

The court said the situation of pollution is so bad that people are wearing masks inside their houses. A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana said there are other reasons for pollution such as vehicular emissions, firecrackers and dust, and singling out stubble burning is not the solution.

The apex court also slammed the Delhi government's decision to resume physical classes for students in the national capital.