After a relatively better air quality during the festival of Diwali, Delhi is once again at the center of attention for its dreadful air quality. On Friday evening, the AQI plunged to 431, which is seen as “severe” category.

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, announced on Friday that the primary schools would be shut from the next day until the situation improves. Schools for secondary and senior secondary classes would continue, although physical education classes are suspended till further notice.

Delhi’s air quality gets worse in winter as there’s surge in stubble burning. Bhagwant Mann, the recently elected Chief Minister of Punjab, promised that his government would work towards reducing the stubble burning. But so far, there has been no reduction in the stubble burning. In fact, according to several reports, Punjab has seen a surge in stubble burning compared to last year.

In a press conference, Bhagwant Mann said that his government is working towards reducing the stubble burning. He went on to say that his government hopes by this day next year, there would be a significant reduction in stubble burning.

Delhi’s air quality has been in severe category for the second consecutive day. According to the Indian Express, data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute showed that Punjab recorded 2,437 paddy residue burning related fire events on Friday.

The Government of Delhi has also decided to ban all the diesel trucks and light motor vehicles that do not meet the BS-VI standard from entering Delhi. The government has all decided to ban all construction and demolition activities in the National Capital Territory to curb pollution.

The matter has also reached the Supreme Court of India with the bench headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit listing it for hearing on November 10th.