Schools take measures to safeguard students from ill-effects of pollution

New Delhi With the spike in pollution posing health risks to residents of Delhi, schools in the Capital are formulating anti-pollution measures to safeguard children,

New Delhi With the spike in pollution posing health risks to residents of Delhi, schools in the Capital are formulating anti-pollution measures to safeguard children, who are among the most vulnerable groups.

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Several schools reopened after Diwali on Wednesday — the first day with ‘severe’ air quality of the season, with the average air quality index (AQI) reading of 419. Schools across the Capital issued advisories and precautionary measures for students.

On Wednesday, the directorate of education (DoE) instructed heads of government, government-aided and unaided-recognised schools to sensitise parents of the students on the air quality situation.

“They have been asked to ensure that no outdoor activities are organised in schools till severe pollution condition persists,” a DoE official said. Schools have also been asked to rope in members of the school management committees (SMC) to disseminate information on adopting a preventive approach, including the use of masks.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also announced that the Delhi government would start distributing masks to school students from Friday. “Fifty lakh N95 masks would be given to students of both government and private schools in Delhi. A kit of mask, having two pieces of N95, one for tackling smog, will be given to students. Masks will be distributed in one week,” he said.

Awadhesh K Jha, principal of a government school in Sector 8, Rohini, said these masks would help students. “Apart from stopping all outdoor activities and encouraging the use of masks, we have also been distributing fruits rich in Vitamin C and Omega 3 in our school, after we learnt it helps in controlling effects of air pollution.”

Private schools in the capital are also doing their bit to safeguard children. “We have changed the schedule of our morning assembly, since the air quality is worse at that time. The assembly is now taking place in the second half. Sports coaching has been moved indoors,” said Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu Public School in Rohini.

“We are also engaging in activities, which raise awareness on air pollution along with using more air purifying plants. Students have also created low-cost air purifiers in school labs,” she said.

Bharat Arora, general secretary of the action committee of unaided private schools, said, “Most schools have issued an advisory and they have all closed outdoor activities, such as morning prayers and sports coaching, and have asked students to get masks. For students who cannot get masks, schools are planning to get it for them.”