Primary classes suspended in Panipat, Sonepat, Rohtak

The district administrations of Panipat, Sonepat and Rohtak on Sunday directed the shutting of schools for primary classes due to the persisting poor air quality.

Authorities get tough on GRAP violators, take stringent measures in an attempt to improve air quality across state

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) of Sonepat district has been very poor for the past one week. The AQI was 350 in Sonepat today, which is ‘very poor’. The main pollutants in the air were recorded at severe level — the PM 2.5 was maximum at 439 while the PM10 was at 451 — in the district. The AQI in Panipat was 302, which is in the ‘very poor’ category. The main pollutant 2.5 was recorded at maximum 331 while PM10 at 313.

Panipat DC Virender Kumar Dahiya said following the directions of the Director General, Elementary Education Department, issued to all schools, including government, semi-government and private schools, classes up to fifth standard would be shut from November 18 till further orders.

Sonepat DC Manoj Kumar said the air quality index was recorded very poor on November 17. Keeping in view the safety and health of children, it has been decided that the classes up to fifth would remain suspended on November 18 (Monday) in all urban and rural areas of the district.

Kumar further said online classes would be conducted in all government and private schools in the district. He directed for the strict implementation of the orders in the district.

NHAI slapped Rs 10L fine

Meanwhile, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued show-cause notice and announced Rs 10 lakh fine in the form of environmental compensation on the NHAI for alleged violations of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) norms in the district.

The move comes in the wake of a ground inspection carried out by the HSPCB on the basis of complaints and reports about the violation of norms during the ongoing construction of an underpass at Baghola village on NH-19 in the district.

The inspection was done on Saturday and non-compliance of GRAP norms were found with accumulation of dust along the underpass, dumping of uncovered construction material, presence of construction and demolition waste and dust on sideways and median, lack of measures for mitigation of dust particles, absence of mandatory anti-smog guns, wind-breaking walls, non use of tarpaulin, wind-fencing or scaffolding sheet of appropriate height around the periphery of the construction.