Delhi primary schools to remain closed from tomorrow due to pollution

NEW DELHI: Primary schools in Delhi will remain closed from tomorrow due to ‘severe’ air quality, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced in a press conference. The AAP government also announced closure of outdoor sports activities above Class 5 students in schools.

प्रदूषण पर पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री के साथ एक संयुक्त प्रेस वार्ता। https://t.co/0bLYYvVBul

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 4, 2022

The BJP government on Friday demanded that the AAP government order closure of schools in the national capital in view of severe air pollution. Addressing a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, national spokesperson of the party Shehzad Poonawala said the AAP government should stop playing with the lives of the children and close the schools.

The Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) on Thursday said that states can take a call on closure of schools.

Delhi schools have taken several measures to protect children, including suspension of outdoor activities and introduction of breathing exercises in classes. Many schools also ruled out shutdown, saying it will disturb the pace of academic learning.

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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had Wednesday asked the Delhi government to shut schools till air quality in the capital improves. Delhi's air quality continued to be in the 'severe' category on Thursday, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Sangeeta Hajela, Principal, DPS Indirapuram, said air pollution has become very rampant especially during this season.

Several parents in Delhi supported the proposal to shut down schools in the capital amid worsening air quality while others opposed it, fearing another hit to studies already impacted by the Covid pandemic.

Meanwhile, all schools in Noida and Greater Noida have been asked to hold classes online for students up to Class 8 till November 8 in view of increasing pollution in the National Capital Region, according to an official order.