Schools in Khairthal-Tijara District, Rajasthan, Closed Due to Rising Pollution Levels
Jaipur: In response to rising pollution levels, schools in Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district have been closed from November 20 to November 23. The decision, which affects both government and private schools for students in classes 1 to 5, was made to safeguard students from the hazardous air quality.
Khairthal Collector Kishore Kumar issued the order as pollution levels in the region soared, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous 380 in Bhiwadi (Khairthal). Several other cities across Rajasthan, including Karauli, Bikaner, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Tonk, also reported AQI levels higher than 200, which is considered harmful.
The state has been grappling with an increase in pollution levels due to a drop in temperatures, exacerbating the effects of smog, which severely reduced visibility in cities like Bhiwadi. Authorities have also implemented measures like water sprinkling and smog guns to mitigate dust in affected areas. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had already enacted the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the district on November 18 to combat the worsening air quality.
In a contrast to the northern regions, the southern part of Rajasthan, including Sirohi, Pratapgarh, and Barmer, recorded cleaner air, making it relatively safer for residents.
