Delhi pollution: Schools shift events, nix early classes

NEW DELHI: As pollution levels in the National Capital Region have been very poor in the last few days, schools in the city have started taking precautions by cancelling early morning coaching classes, shifting the sports and annual day functions and also by carrying out awareness drives.

At Mount Abu Public School, Rohini, the students have been carrying out rallies in the surrounding area, asking people not to burst crackers and celebrate green Diwali instead.

“In the morning assemblies, we have been asking children to stay indoors as much as they can. We have also asked them to exchange saplings during Diwali to propagate the idea of a green Delhi. If the pollution level further increases generally, we get a directive from the government to shut down schools,” said Jyoti Arora, principal of the school.

But as the school will be shut for Diwali, they are hopeful that by the time the schools open, the pollution level will be down. However, as there is no certainty, schools have adjusted their dates for sports and annual day events. November-December is usually the time when these events are held.

“This has now become a constant yearly problem. So we have reduced the assembly to two days as compared to three. The early morning coaching classes have been stopped for now as pollution levels are high at that time. We have also told the children that during the holidays, if there is haze outside, they should stay inside,” said Ameeta Mulla Wattal, principal, Springdales School, Pusa Road.

Even NCR schools have their innovative ways and the children are contributing to raise awareness among the people. “We have given tips to children on how to tackle pollution when they are outside, like washing their hands regularly, carrying water bottles. Now, we have to bring in lifestyle changes,” said Priyanka Mehta, principal and director Sarvottam International School, Noida Extension.

The director, directorate of education, Sanjay Goel, said that depending on the indices of the air quality under the Graded Response Action Plan, the government will take action.