According to the news agency ANI, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Thursday that due to the city’s current pollution levels, all schools in Delhi will be closed from Friday until any further orders are issued. The decision was made after the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana criticized the Delhi government for reopening schools under severe pollution conditions. It is noted that although the elderly are allowed to work from home, the Supreme Court judge asked the government why children are exposed to health hazards.
“Considering the forecast that air quality will improve, we have reopened the school. However, air pollution levels have risen again, and we decided to close the school from Friday until there is further order,” Gopal Ray said.
Abhishek Singhvi, a lawyer representing the Delhi government, told the Supreme Court that sending children to school for physical education is voluntary and the government can suspend offline courses if the Supreme Court wishes. “Don’t use our shoulders. You are the government and you have to take action. You mean come whoever wants to come; you want to stay at home and stay. If you give a choice, everyone will come, who wants to stay at home ,” CJI said.
“We take your statement in court seriously and truthfully. One thing you told is that the school is closed. But the school is not closed. Children must go in the fog in the morning. No respect? Read today’s newspaper. The children are going to go. . I know children who go to school, don’t solicit orders, don’t need to tell you anything. We respect you. So the elders work from home, and the children have to go to school?” Chief Justice NV Ramana said that a case related to air pollution in Delhi is being heard. As air quality entered a severe level from “very poor” on Wednesday, the pollution level in Delhi deteriorated further on Thursday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website, at 7am on Thursday, Delhi’s Hourly Air Quality Index (AQI) was 416. The city’s 24-hour average air quality index was 370 on Wednesday.
The Supreme Court had earlier recommended blockade measures to address health hazards caused by rising pollution levels in the capital. In mid-November, the Delhi government announced the closure of physical courses and required offices to work from home. Construction activities are also suspended. After a brief closure, the school resumed physical education on November 29, during which the air quality improved slightly.
News Source : Hindustan Times
