In a drastic move to tackle the city’s escalating air pollution crisis, authorities in India’s capital transitioned schools to online classes on Monday, effective immediately. The decision comes in response to alarmingly high levels of toxic smog that have engulfed the sprawling metropolis, posing severe health risks to its over 30 million residents.
On Sunday evening, levels of PM2.5 pollutants—microscopic particles small enough to penetrate the bloodstream via the lungs—were recorded at 57 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily maximum. By dawn on Monday, the levels had slightly dropped but still stood at 39 times the safe limit, with a thick grey haze blanketing the city.
PM2.5 pollutants are known to cause a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and are linked to thousands of premature deaths annually in the city. The smog worsens during winter due to cooler temperatures and sluggish winds, which trap pollutants closer to the ground.
In an effort to mitigate the crisis, the Delhi government announced a temporary halt to physical classes for most students. Primary schools had already been shut last Thursday, and now the suspension has been extended to include all grades, except for Class 10 and Class 12 students, who are preparing for crucial board exams.
Chief Minister Atishi emphasized the urgency of the measures in a statement issued Sunday night. “Physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12, to prevent further deterioration of air quality,” she said.
Additional restrictions were imposed on Monday, targeting diesel-powered trucks, construction activities, and other major sources of pollution. Authorities hope that keeping children at home will significantly reduce traffic congestion, a key contributor to the city’s air quality woes.
Delhi residents, especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, were urged to remain indoors as much as possible. However, for many, staying safe from the toxic air is not an option. Low-income families often lack access to air purifiers or the means to seal their homes against the acrid air.
“The smog is unbearable,” said Ramesh Gupta, a rickshaw puller in East Delhi. “But what can we do? We have to go out and work to survive.”
Hospitals across the city have reported a spike in cases of respiratory distress, with many patients experiencing severe coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Every year, New Delhi’s air quality deteriorates drastically in the post-monsoon season. This period coincides with the practice of stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Farmers set fire to crop residue to clear their fields for the next planting season, releasing massive amounts of smoke into the atmosphere.
Other significant contributors include vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, and the widespread use of diesel generators. The combination of these factors, exacerbated by stagnant weather conditions, turns Delhi into one of the most polluted cities in the world each winter.
The Delhi government and central authorities have faced mounting pressure to address the air quality crisis. Last month, India’s Supreme Court ruled that clean air was a fundamental human right and ordered swift action to combat pollution. However, implementing effective measures has proven challenging.
“We’ve introduced measures like the Graded Response Action Plan, banned firecrackers during Diwali, and promoted public transport,” said a senior government official. “But the problem is systemic and requires cooperation across states.”
Despite these efforts, critics argue that authorities are failing to enforce regulations adequately. Environmental activists have called for stricter penalties for polluters and long-term investments in cleaner technologies.
The pollution crisis has far-reaching consequences beyond public health. Businesses report reduced productivity due to employee sick days, and tourism, a major revenue generator for the capital, takes a hit as travelers avoid the city during the smog season.
Schools shifting online has also added to the challenges for families, especially those without reliable internet access or electronic devices. Parents like Pooja Sharma, a homemaker in South Delhi, expressed frustration: “We were just getting back to normal after COVID, and now this smog is disrupting everything again.”
Experts stress that solving Delhi’s air pollution crisis requires a coordinated approach involving not just Delhi but also neighboring states and the central government. Policies aimed at reducing stubble burning, transitioning to renewable energy, and improving public transportation infrastructure are seen as critical.
International organizations, too, have weighed in on the crisis. The WHO and other bodies have called on India to prioritize clean energy transitions and stricter environmental regulations. “This is not just Delhi’s problem; it’s a warning sign for urban centers worldwide,” said Maria Lopez, a researcher with the Global Air Quality Alliance.
