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Air pollution: Winter school break moved Up to Nov 9-18

Due to the alarming levels of air pollution in the national capital, the December winter break for all schools has been rescheduled. According to a circular issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education, the winter break will now span from November 9 to November 18, a significant shift from the previously announced dates of November 3 to November 10. This decision has been made in response to the implementation of measures outlined in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) due to the severe air quality conditions prevailing in Delhi.

The circular stated that, considering the lack of respite from adverse weather conditions in the near future as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMO), the rescheduling of the winter break is essential. The aim is to provide a complete closure of schools, allowing both students and teachers to stay at home during this period. The severity of the air pollution situation in Delhi and its neighboring regions was once again evident, with the air quality index reaching a hazardous level of 421. Post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighboring states was identified as a major contributor to the pollution crisis, accounting for one-third of the air pollution in the national capital.

Several cities across the Indo-Gangetic plains, including Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Faridabad, also reported hazardous air quality levels. Data from the Decision Support System revealed that stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana was responsible for 37 percent of the air pollution in Delhi on Tuesday, with a similar contribution expected on Wednesday. These findings underscore the urgent need for measures to combat air pollution in the region.

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