NEW DELHI -- It is not COVID that has forced the Indian capital city to shut its schools again and ban construction activities, but alarmingly high levels of air pollution creating an "emergency situation."
On Wednesday, a federal government air quality panel told all educational institutes in New Delhi and surrounding areas to remain shut until further notice. Earlier, local authorities had ordered their closure only for the week, while staff at the city's government offices too were directed to work from home, except for those engaged in emergency services such as medical professionals and fire service personnel.