Several schools in Delhi-NCR and parents of students welcomed the Government's announcement on holding online classes for primary grades in view of rising pollution, and expressed hope that concerted efforts would be made by the authorities as well as people to address the recurring problem.
Experts suggested that the government should rejig vacation schedules in schools as pollution turns severe in winter every year. The Delhi government on Friday announced that primary schools in the national capital will remain shut from Saturday till further orders while outdoor activities will be curtailed for senior classes amid worsening air quality in the city.
According to Pallavi Upadhyaya, Principal of Delhi Public School (DPS), Raj Nagar Extension, the school will conduct online classes during the period. "We respect the decision taken by authorities and plan on conducting online classes to ensure that there is no learning loss for children.
Teachers and students are already adept and comfortable with online classes, so we don't expect any technical hurdles or glitches. Extra classes are already being conducted in the evening in online mode. So, for us logging in for classes will never be a hassle," she said. Anshu Mittal, Principal, MRG School, Rohini believes the air quality is dwindling egregiously, and pollution is rising at extreme levels. "The predicament called for necessary action to be taken and we understand the severity of the situation under which the announcement has been made to close down primary schools.
Air pollution threatens to reduce the life expectancy of people and causes long-term prevailing breathing and asthma issues. It was an urgent requirement to protect children and restrict their contact with a polluted atmosphere. We respect this decision and will adhere to the guidelines," she said.
Shubhi Soni, Head of Shri Ram Wonder Years (TSWY) school, believes that the life of a student is paramount. "We completely understand the worsening levels of air pollution crisis that Delhi-NCR is currently facing. Until the Air Quality Index improves to a good level, it is important to safeguard the health of students, and it is a wise call made by the government to shut primary school classes for a while. We hope that the authorities and people, in general, make concerted efforts to reduce pollution levels and that the academic future of children is not compromised," she said. In the wake of severe pollution in the national capital, many schools have taken several measures to protect children, including suspension of outdoor activities and introduction of breathing exercises in classes.
Aparajitha Gautam, Delhi Parents Association President said shutting down of primary schools is a welcome step but questioned why senior classes have not been suspended.
"Does the government think those children won't suffer from the poor air quality in Delhi? Impact of pollution doesn't have an age bar. Relief should have been given to students of all classes. Moreover, how long will the government continue will these temporary solutions?," she said. Her thoughts were echoed by Jyoti Arora, mother of class 5 student
Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, believes the health of many is at stake with the toxic air exposed in the environment deteriorating their inhaling capability and affecting their lungs.
