NEW DELHI: Expressing serious concern over “severe” air quality in Delhi and its impact on the health of children, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has asked the state government to consider closing schools till the situation improves “in view of the best interest of children”. Track the pollution level in your cityThe commission sought an action taken report on the matter within 24 hours. NCPCR seeks detailed report in three days In calling upon the Delhi government to consider closing schools, NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo said the commission has taken suo motu cognisance of news articles published in leading newspapers of Delhi regarding poor air quality in Delhi. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a detailed action-taken report within three days of receipt of the letter written on Wednesday. A copy of the letter addressed to the chief secretary has been sent to LG Vinai Kumar Saxena. NCPCR said as per the reports, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air qualily of the national capital has deteriorated to “severe” category. “Air pollution of ‘severe level’ affects healthy people and seriously impacts children and those with existing disease. “It seems the Delhi government has failed to take preventive measures. It is, therefore, recommended by the commission that the state government should consider taking appropriate action and consider taking a decision to close down the schools till the time the air quality (AQI) of the National Capital improves, in view of the best interest of the children,” Kanoongo said.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/consider-closing-schools-till-aqi-improves-in-delhi-ncpcr/articleshow/95264034.cms