Indian smog shuts power stations, schools

Authorities in New Delhi and nearby regions ordered schools closed and some coal-fired power plants to close as alarming levels of air pollution have blanketed the Indian capital and neighboring states over the past few weeks.

Barely a fortnight into opening of schools after COVID-19 ravaged New Delhi in two waves, schools were closed last week due to emergency measures prompted by thick smog.

Delhi administration officials were asked to allow at least half of their staff to work from home at least until Nov 21. Similar directions were issued to private offices to help reduce emissions and dust levels.

The local government had also imposed a temporary ban last week on construction and demolition activities, with exceptions made for transport and defense-related projects. The Delhi government said it was considering a lockdown to improve air quality as toxic smog has enveloped the national capital region since the festival of Diwali early this month.

The Commission of Air Quality Management, a wing of the federal environment ministry, had recommended that educational institutions be closed, one of several steps to keep people indoors in New Delhi.

Dependence on coal, which generates pollution, has also been reduced. Only five out of the 11 coal-fired power plants in New Delhi and surrounding regions have been allowed to operate for the time being. Other measures include a ban on the entry of trucks, except those carrying essential commodities.

The measures came after the country's Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Delhi and the federal government to take strict measures to contain the toxic smog engulfing the world's most polluted city, especially during mornings. Delhi's air quality remained in the severe category for at least 10 consecutive days to Friday.

Levels of dangerous particles in the air were recorded above 400 micrograms per cubic meter in some parts of the national capital on Tuesday, according to the federal ministry of earth sciences' System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research project. The World Health Organization designates the safe level as 25.

Air pollution triggers serious health problems in children and causes irreparable and irreversible damage, said Arvind Kumar, chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, a city on the outskirts of Delhi.

Rashmi Sama, a pulmonologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, said: "At least 10 to 15 patients are being admitted to hospital every day."

Smoke from stubble burning travels to New Delhi, leading to a surge in pollution in the city of more than 20 million people. Experts have pointed out that indiscriminate use of fire crackers, during the festival of Diwali, which took place at the same time, deteriorated the air quality further.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.