NEW DELHI: Authorities in New Delhi have shut down schools and construction activities after air quality turned deadly.
The schools have been shut for two days on Friday (today) to reduce the consequences. Scientists have suggested that the air quality will deteriorate further in the coming weeks.
Most polluted city
The Reuters news agency reported that the air quality dropped drastically in the capital in the last few days.
According to the Swiss group IQAir, the Indian capital has again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities.
The Air Quality Index in New Delhi stands at around 640, 100 points more than the standard hazardous levels.
Burning crop waste is the reason
Indian scientists blamed burning crop waste for the recent drop in air quality.
“This pollution level is here to stay for the next two to three weeks, aggravated by incidents of stubble burning, slow wind speed and cooling temperatures,” chairman of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Ashwani Kumar, said.
Indian cricket board bans fireworks
The Indian Cricket Board recently banned fireworks in New Delhi and Mumbai amid concerns of worsening air pollution.
“The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi. While we strive to host the World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of all our stakeholders.” the BCCI said in a statement.
