The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all heads of government, government-aided and unaided recognised schools under its jurisdiction to appeal to parents to restrain their children from undertaking outdoor activities.
‘Worrisome situation’
“All heads are directed to appeal to parents of their students about the worrisome air pollution situation prevailing in and across Delhi, and further to restrain their children from undertaking outdoor activities till severe pollution conditions persist,” reads the circular.
Alarming levels of air pollution earlier this month had forced schools to remain closed for a week.
The DoE said it issued the circular after receiving an order from the Special Secretary (Environment)-cum-Member Secretary, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Department of Environment, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, in compliance with the directions issued by Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal in a high-level meeting held on November 8.
Outdoor activities
“Outdoor activities and exposure to polluted conditions can have long-term detrimental effects on the health of children. Therefore, parents may be requested to adopt preventive approach to safeguard their child’s health,” said the DoE circular.