Delhi Schools Reopen: Masks mandatory, Outdoor activity reduced amid Severe Air Pollution

Delhi Schools are introducing various measures to safeguard students' health, but concerns remain regarding the potential risks associated with Delhi's ongoing air pollution crisis.

Delhi School Reopening! With the air quality in Delhi improving slightly from "severe" levels, schools in the national capital are gearing up to resume physical classes. However, parents remain caught in a dilemma, torn between sending their children back to school and risking exposure to pollution or keeping them home and missing out on important in-person activities. Schools are introducing various measures to safeguard students' health, but concerns remain regarding the potential risks associated with Delhi's ongoing air pollution crisis.

Schools Issue Health Guidelines Amid Rising Pollution Levels

As Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'poor' category, with a recorded AQI of 281 on Monday, schools are taking proactive steps to minimize health risks associated with pollution. Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School in Dwarka, highlighted that the school had prepared an advisory to help protect students' health once physical classes resume.

"We will issue guidelines urging students to wear masks both on and off campus and to carpool whenever possible. Additionally, we’ve postponed all major events, including the annual day and sports day, from November to February," said Acharya. These measures reflect the school's commitment to student safety while maintaining essential in-person activities.

Mandatory Masks and Reduced Outdoor Activities

To further safeguard students' health, many schools have made wearing masks mandatory for all students and minimized outdoor activities. Rajesh Hassija, principal of Indraprastha School, emphasized the importance of curbing activities that could exacerbate respiratory issues in students. "Masks are mandatory for students, and we have minimized all outdoor activities. Morning assemblies will now take place inside classrooms, and yoga or exercise sessions are on hold as these can lead to increased inhalation of pollutants," Hassija said.

Parents' Dilemma: Risk of Pollution vs. Missing In-Person Learning

The ongoing situation has left many parents torn. Aprajita Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents' Association, expressed her concerns about the difficult decision many families face. "It feels like a no-win situation. If we send our children to school, they are at risk due to pollution; if we keep them home, they miss out on essential in-person activities," Gautam said.

To manage the situation, many parents are taking extra precautions. "We have instructed our children to wear masks throughout the day and have started providing them antioxidant-rich food to boost immunity," Gautam added. She also emphasized the need for schools to take special care of children with dust allergies.

Promoting Indoor Activities and Reducing Exposure to Pollution

To minimize exposure to pollutants, schools are promoting indoor activities and making adjustments to their schedules. Vividh Gupta, principal of Bal Bhavan Public School in Mayur Vihar, explained that his school has taken strict precautions, including requiring students to wear full-sleeve uniforms and masks. "Parents using private vehicles are encouraged to switch to school transport to reduce emissions," Gupta said.

For younger students who may find it difficult to wear masks for extended periods, the school is encouraging indoor activities such as chess, carrom, and painting. "To ensure the well-being of our students, especially those in lower grades, the school campus will be sprinkled with water twice a day, and during free periods, students will engage in indoor activities," he added.

Supreme Court Weighs in on School Resumption

The Supreme Court weighed in on the ongoing situation, asking the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi and surrounding areas to consider the resumption of physical classes. The court acknowledged the struggles faced by students who lack access to mid-day meals and the infrastructure to attend online classes. However, the Supreme Court also emphasized that unless there was a consistent improvement in the AQI, it would not relax the anti-pollution GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR, which aim to limit exposure to harmful pollutants.

The court also pointed out that unless there was a consistent decrease in AQI levels, restrictions under GRAP-3 or GRAP-2 could not be lifted.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Safety and Education

As the situation continues to evolve, Delhi’s schools face the complex task of balancing student safety with the need for in-person education. While health measures like mandatory masks and minimized outdoor activities are being implemented, the dilemma for parents remains whether to send their children back to school or keep them home to avoid exposure to harmful pollutants. With the Supreme Court urging authorities to find a way forward, the coming days will likely see continued discussions about how to navigate this challenging situation while ensuring that students’ health and education are both prioritized.

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