Delhi pollution live updates: University of Delhi to conduct classes online until November 23

IMD Forecast: Dense fog is expected to persist in North India for the next four days.

LG Saxena's Announcement: Staggered work timings for government employees until February 28, 2025.

Health Advisory: Schools issue guidelines for students and parents.

As Delhi's air quality plummets to the "severe plus" category, recording an AQI of 484, the University of Delhi has decided to shift to online classes until November 23, resuming physical classes on November 25. The university’s registrar stated that this decision prioritizes student health amid rising pollution levels. Examination and interview schedules remain unchanged.

Health Impact: Doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital report an influx of patients with pollution-related health issues, including shortness of breath, runny nose, and chest tightness. Vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and the elderly face significant risks. Dr. Amit Jindal advises wearing N95 masks outdoors and adhering to government anti-pollution measures.

Government Measures: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai mentioned potential implementation of the odd-even vehicle rule to control vehicular pollution. The scheme, alternating vehicle usage based on registration numbers, may be reintroduced if necessary.

Supreme Court Advisory: The Supreme Court has advised its staff to wear masks due to the severe pollution levels.

Flight Disruptions: Dense smog led to 15 flight diversions and over 100 delays at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, affecting airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo. The lack of CAT-3 trained pilots also contributed to the disruptions.

School Precautions: Schools have mandated face masks and restricted outdoor activities to protect students. Principal Sudha Acharya of ITL Public School emphasized precautions like carpooling and hydration for children.

Teachers' Concerns: The MCD school teachers’ association criticized the requirement for teachers to be physically present in schools for conducting online classes, calling it contradictory and harmful.

IMD Forecast: The Indian Meteorological Department predicts dense fog in North India, particularly in Haryana and Punjab, for the next five days, with Delhi-NCR expected to experience moderate to dense fog over the next three to four days.