India’s capital shuts schools because of smog

Due to worsening toxic smog, New Delhi, India’s capital city, made the latest move to address the sprawling megacity’s health crisis by switching to online classes on Monday ( Nov 18 ) until further notice.

Levels of PM2.5 substances- dangerous cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the bronchi- were recorded at 57 days above the World Health Organization’s ( WHO ) recommended daily max on Sunday night.

At dawn on Monday, the city was smothered by a thick dark and noxious smog that stretched 39 times above the warning.

Every year, the city is covered in acrid dust, which is largely brought on by farmers clearing their fields for ploughing and by factories and visitors fumes from nearby neighbors.

The regulations were put in place by capital officials “in an effort to prevent further disintegration” of the air quality.

Officials anticipate a significant decrease in traffic by keeping children at home.

” Real lessons may become discontinued for all individuals, apart from Class 10 and 12″, Chief Minister Atishi, who uses one name, said in a statement later on Sunday.