Smog and pollution force closure of schools in Delhi-NCR, IMD predicts very dense fog on Wednesday

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted dense to very dense fog very likely in the morning hours of Wednesday over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, North Rajasthan and a few places in West Uttar Pradesh. 

Also, heavy rain is very likely at isolated places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands and south Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, Delhiites woke up to dense smog and haze with many complaining of burning eyes and sore nose and throat. The air quality index of Delhi touched the severe level of 451 where anything above 100 is considered unhealthy.

This prompted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to order the closure of schools on Wednesday. The order will be extended to the day after if the need arises.

"Outdoor activities including assemblies should not take place in schools," Education Minister Manish Sisodia said.

District Magistrate Ghaziabad has also directed all schools in the region to shut on Wednesday and day after on account of air pollution.  

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