As Delhi-NCR reels under a thick layer of smog, schools have stepped up measures to protect children, including suspending outdoor activities and introducing breathing exercises in classrooms. Many schools have also ruled out the closure, saying it would disrupt the pace of school learning.
The National Commission for the Protection of Children’s Rights (NCPCR) on Wednesday called on the Delhi government to close schools until air quality in the capital improves. Delhi’s air quality continued to be in the “severe” category on Thursday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Sangeeta Hajela, Director, DPS Indirapuram, said that air pollution has become very rampant especially during this season.
”However, the closure of schools would disrupt the pace of academic learning for students. At a time when boards of directors are only five months away and students are preparing for pre-boarding exams, this could significantly affect their performance, as one-on-one interactions, remedial classes and lectures clarification of doubts are taking place these days. , Hajela said. However, concerns about children’s health are also legitimate, Hajela said.
”We have administered many measures to protect students. Teachers encourage students to eat a balanced diet with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables to increase lung and liver stability and viability. “Anti-pollution masks are distributed to students. Air purifiers have been placed at strategic locations to purify the environment. These measures will surely ensure good attendance and safeguard the health of our students,” she said.
Anshu Mital, Principal of MRG School, Rohini, said he plans to distribute a manual or written guide to teach students what kinds of foods, drinks and behaviors they should adopt to improve the situation in which we live.
”It serves both purposes. First, it provides good continuity in their education without any interruptions, and it also channels a conducive environment in which there is no possibility of health risks. “We have a proper medical treatment center to take care of the children if they face any discomfort or pain,” she said.
According to Alka Kapur, principal of Shalimar Bagh Modern Public School, the school has limited outdoor activities.
“Given the seriousness of the increase in hazardous pollution, we have temporarily restricted outdoor activities such as sporting events, cultural events and assemblies. “Similarly, we will put more emphasis on indoor activities such as indoor assemblies, cultural events and extracurricular activities,” she said.
She said the school has a health and wellness group that has been persistent in encouraging students to take pollution precautions, breathing exercises, yoga and other key variables to combat the difficulty. . “In addition, wearing a mask has become mandatory for all students and teachers,” she added.
Air quality in the nation’s capital has deteriorated to “severe” over the past few days, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to the CPCB, air pollution in the “severe” category affects healthy people and has serious repercussions for children and people with existing illnesses.
The NCPCR said it took the matter seriously and expressed concern about the “severe” air quality impacting children’s health.
”The level of pollution in Delhi-NCR is certainly at an alarming stage. But so far, we have not received any orders from the government regarding the closure of schools. We are ready with alternative arrangements to avoid academic loss. “Whenever there is a government order on this, we will take appropriate action and close the school,” said Naman Jain, Director (Development), Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad.
(This story has not been edited by the Devdiscourse team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)