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Indian capital tightens up anti-pollution procedures as air quality worsens

India directed schools to relocate to hybrid mode for some grades, asked government workplaces to stagger timings for personnel and imposed constraints on cars in Delhi and adjacent regions as air quality weakened in the nation's north on Monday.

Delhi tape-recorded extremely bad air on Monday with an air quality index (AQI) reading of 379 in the 24 hours to midday, the Central Pollution Control Board stated.

Contamination was expected to get worse on Tuesday to serious. levels above an AQI reading of 400, which poses a risk to. healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing. diseases.

The limitations were imposed considering the highly. damaging meteorological conditions consisting of calm winds,. stated the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which. handles air quality in the nationwide capital area.

Its order, among other procedures, directed schools to carry out. classes in hybrid mode - online and in-person - for trainees up. to Grade 5, and asked the federal government to decide on. shocking timings of its workplace hours.

North India battles extreme air contamination every winter season as. cold air and low temperatures trap automobile contaminants,. building dust, and smoke from farm fires set off unlawfully. in the adjacent states of Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi taped its highest contamination during this season last. month when AQI readings soared to 494, triggering the government. to close schools and encourage offices to allow 50% of workers to. work from home.

(source: Reuters)