Delhi pollution: Schools closed again till further orders

New Delhi: Local government in the Indian capital on Thursday announced schools in New Delhi will remain closed until further orders over the air quality crisis.

According to details, the Supreme Court of India expressed resentment over the lack of effective measures by the government to curtail the issue of air pollution.

The top court on Thursday warned of strict action and gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the federal government, New Delhi, and neighboring states to act against industrial and vehicular pollution, which are considered to be the main contributors to the deteriorating air quality in the capital.

The court also reprimanded Delhi government over reopening schools.

"Three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home," the court reportedly said to the Delhi government.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said physical classes in Delhi schools will be suspended from Friday till further orders. However, board exams will continue as scheduled and teaching-learning activities will be conducted online.

"We had reopened schools considering the forecast that air quality would improve. However, the air pollution levels have increased again and we have decided to shut schools from Friday till further orders," Rai said.

After remaining shut since November 13, physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions had resumed from Monday.