As Delhi continues to battle worsening air pollution, the Supreme Court of India has issued an important directive for schools in Delhi, NCR. Citing rising concern over bad AQI, the apex court has asked schools to halt outdoor activities with immediate effect. Following the directive, all schools in Delhi have been asked to comply without fail.
Questioning Delhi Government’s schedule of sports in present scenario, Justice Sachin Dutta said, “should not take part in outdoor sports”. This, he pointed out, should not be scheduled during the most polluted months of November to January. He has also advised the government to revise the sports schedule. Delhi Government has now issued a circular for the same for all schools.
Emphasizing on the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable section of the society, the bench said outdoor activities at this time is akin to “putting school children in a gas chamber”. Directive has been issued to suspend all outdoor activities effective immediately. Earlier Delhi High Court had also raised concerns over the same and asked schools to take cognizance.
Delhi AQI and School Holiday
Delhi’s AQI continued to be in very poor to hazardous levels. With virtually no wind, the AQI levels hovered over 350 in many parts of the national capital territory. Adjoining regions of Noida, Faridabad, Gurgaon or Ghaziabad were equally bad.
Delhi Government has issued a circular in line with the SC directive to all schools and colleges in the capital city. The circular has restricted outdoor activities. No mention, however, has been made in regards a holiday in the capital as yet.
Schools have been advised to move to hybrid mode, especially for primary classes of 1 to 5. For senior classes, however, the offline schools are continuing, even as continued smog and haze conditions make the air toxic.
Experts and parents alike have raised concerns over the air quality, with many seeking closure. Many doctors in the city are reporting a rise in allergic reactions in children due to bad air.
Many private schools now have air purifiers installed in individual classrooms. This, however, does not limit the harmful exposure for students. It is hence only unfortunate that students in Delhi NCR must choose between their health and education.