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Rising air pollution in Delhi has forced the government to shut schools from nursery to Class 5 in physical mode. With AQI reaching severe levels, concerns over children’s health and disrupted education continue to grow across the capital.
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New Delhi: The national capital, Delhi, is once again in the grip of severe air pollution. The continuously deteriorating air quality has started affecting not only daily life but also the education and health of children.
For the past few days, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the severe to very severe category, making it difficult even to breathe. A thick blanket of fog and smog hangs over the city in the mornings, significantly reducing visibility.
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According to experts, changes in weather, lack of cold winds, stubble burning incidents, and vehicular emissions are making Delhi's pollution even more dangerous. The levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air are being recorded at several times higher than the prescribed standards. This is directly affecting people's eyes, nose, and lungs.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, the Delhi government's Education Department has taken a major step. An order has been issued to close schools for all students from nursery to class five in physical mode. This order will apply equally to all government, government-aided, and private schools. This decision will remain in effect until further notice.
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The Education Department has clarified that schools have not been completely closed, but only the physical presence of children in schools has been prohibited. School administrations can continue classes through online means if they wish so that the education of young children is not completely disrupted. This will ensure that the students' curriculum continues and their safety is also ensured.
Currently, there is no order to close schools for students of class six and above. However, schools have been instructed to take precautions for these classes as well. They have been advised to limit outdoor activities, promote the use of masks, and keep a close watch on the health of the children. Appeal to Parents to Remain Vigilant
The Education Department has instructed all schools to immediately inform parents about this order. The school administration will be responsible for ensuring that there is no compromise on the health of the children. A warning of strict action has also been issued against any kind of negligence.
Doctors say that young children's lungs are not fully developed, making polluted air extremely dangerous for them. Prolonged exposure to toxic air increases the risk of asthma, allergies, eye irritation, and serious respiratory illnesses.
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Although closing schools is a necessary step, it disrupts children's regular studies. Online learning is not equally accessible to all children, which has increased the concerns of parents. Therefore, controlling pollution is considered the only permanent solution to this problem.
