New Delhi: With Delhi’s air quality being in the ‘very poor’ category ahead of Diwali, the students, parents are demanding closure of schools for at least a week. The poor air quality in the national capital has raised concerns of serious health hazards and the health ministry on Friday issued an advisory urging people to limit outdoor activities.
Concerned about health hazards, Pratiksha Sinha, mother of a student studying in Kendriya Vidyalaya said, “My daughter has an asthma issue and she is not attending the schools for the past couple of days due to the deteriorating air conditions in the national capital. I am requesting the state government to issue an advisory for the closure of physical classes in the national capital and to switch to online classes. Why do children like my daughter who has health issues have to suffer?”
According to the mother of Anantinee Mishra, Class XII, The Mothers International School, “The polluted air of Delhi is not only making it difficult for children to breathe, but also inviting serious respiratory problems in the future. The authorities are incompetent, so closing schools is the only option left unfortunately.”
Aprajita Gautam, President of Delhi Parents Association said, “The students studying in Delhi schools have to bear the brunt of pollution every year. The collective efforts of the state government, MCD, are required to solve the issue.”
Advisory on Rising Air Pollution in Delhi pic.twitter.com/dEtsbRbtRk
— Sudha Acharya (@SudhaAcharya14) October 24, 2024
Meanwhile, several schools have taken measures to limit outdoor activities taking cognizance of students’ health issues. The ITL Public School, Dwarka has issued advisories for students. Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL Public School shared the advisory in her official X handle. The advisories recommend students to restrict outdoor activities, embrace sustainable commuting practices, Hydrate frequently and ensure a healthy diet, observe environment-friendly Diwali, wear masks, and others.
The Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh is using air purifiers in areas exposed to outdoors and corridors, as per reports. The students are also advised to wear masks.
