Dangerous gases hover over Delhi sky: 1,700 schools to remain shut on Saturday

New Delhi: The current pollution and smog level in the national capital is the highest and most dangerous in last 17 years.  Even the neighbouring areas have been covered under the blanket of thick smoke.  Therefore, the government decided to shut nearly 1,700 primary schools under the three municipal corporations in Delhi on Saturday. About 10 lakh students are enrolled in these schools administered by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), he said. SDMC Leader of the House Subhash Arya confirmed that all primary schools under the Corporation will remain closed on Saturday due to high pollution levels in Delhi. "The decision was taken today (Friday) at a meeting in the wake of severe pollution that the residents of Delhi are facing. We have decided to keep the schools closed on Saturday, as the smog is worse during morning hours," Arya said. The SDMC has issued guidelines on strict action against garbage burning and has constituted teams at zonal level to take action against those found burning and throwing garbage in the open. "We are deeply concerned about high levels of pollution since Diwali in Delhi. The Corporation has been working on an action plan to overcome the problem of pollution. The Additional Commissioner will monitor the implementation of the plan," Arya said. He further said the Sanitary Inspector and the Assistant Sanitary Inspector concerned will be held responsible for burning of garbage at 'dhalaos' (covered space for storing garbage) and near dustins. "We have ensured that one responsible employee remains present at each dhalao." "The SDMC is striving hard to impose ban on burning of garbage. In case any employee of the Corporation is found burning garbage strict action will be taken against him," he said. Arya also appealed to the citizens, social organisations and RWAs to come forward to curb the rising pollution. "It may be mentioned that as per the National Green Tribunal's orders to take action against burning and throwing of garbage in open, the Corporation has instructed for imposition of Rs 5,000 fine," Arya said. The Corporation has also issued instructions to teachers and students to avoid outside activities in the coming days, in view of the rising pollution levels. "The schools have also been instructed to hold prayers inside the classrooms and not in the ground. Medical assistance will be provided in case any student complains of respiratory problem," he said. PRECAUTIONS that could be taken: t With IANS inputs