Delhi Schools And Colleges, Shut Due To Pollution, Reopen On Monday

Delhi schools and colleges - closed 10 days ago amid the air quality crisis in the city - reopen on Monday. The Arvind Kejriwal government's announcement comes hours after the Supreme Court yet again delivered sharp remarks on the city's pollution. However, the court also said, "If the situation improves, lift some bans."

"Air quality in Delhi is improving now. Schools, colleges, and educational institutes will reopen from Monday," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai told reporters this afternoon.

While the air quality in the national capital has marginally improved, it's still in the "very poor" category. Toxic air continues to blanket the neighboring cities too.

All Delhi government offices will also reopen from Monday, Mr Rai said, urging the staff to use public transport. Special buses will be arranged for them, he added.

"We advise them to use public transport to commute. Special bus services will be started from colonies where the maximum number of Delhi government employees live," the Minister told reporters.

On Monday, the Arvind Kejriwal government had lifted the ban on construction activities days after the city saw a series of curbs as toxic smog enveloped the national capital after Diwali.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court yet again gave a series of stern remarks over the continuing air crisis as the hearing on pollution entered the third week.

"This is the national capital. Look at the signal we are sending to the world. You have to predict the situation based on statistics... and take action in anticipation so that the situation does not go severe."

"Even if the pollution level goes down now, we will continue to hear this case and issue directions," the top court warned.