Lucknow, November 14: All public and private schools will remain closed on November 14-15 in western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district due to the rising pollution levels. The decision, announced by the district administration, will be implemented by all government, government-aided and private-run educational institutes. The announcement came shortly after all schools were asked to remain shut for two days in neighbouring Delhi-NCR, where PM2.5 pollutants in the air have jumped to unprecedented levels.

On Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Baghpat region was recorded as 419, which falls under the "severe" category. Breathing such air could lead to various respiratory issues for minors as well as senior citizens. In Delhi-NCR, the AQI hovered between 450-500 mark at several points. Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Dips to 'Severe' Category in Most Areas, Holiday in Delhi-NCR Schools Today & Tomorrow.

The region of Delhi and west UP have been worst affected due to the pollution caused by stubble burning. The situation is expected to improve over the next fortnight, when the west-to-east breeze movement is likely to begin.

In the national capital, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had initiated the odd-even traffic rationing policy as a bid to curb pollution. The measure has failed to yield immediate result as Delhi continues to reel under hazardous atmosphere.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2019 09:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).