Delhi Schools Reopen Amid Persistent Smog Crisis
Relief washed over students in Delhi as schools reopened after a weeks-long closure due to hazardous air quality. Yet, the joy of returning to classrooms was tempered by the persistent smog that continued to blanket the Indian capital.
A Cycle of Closures and Disruption
Nearly two million students across Delhi were forced to stay home for over two weeks last month as the skies overhead turned an unsettling yellow-grey hue. The public health crisis, primarily caused by a mix of factory emissions, vehicle exhaust, and seasonal crop burning, has become a grim annual occurrence.
School closures, while intended to shield vulnerable children from the harmful air, have become a dreary ritual that disrupts learning and social interaction. For students like Aniksha, a 13-year-old who uses only one name, these closures mean missing out on valuable classroom time.
“It’s boring to stay at home,” she confessed, standing outside her government school in west Delhi. “I’m happy that class is back. You can do more in school. You can interact with the teachers and also get their help.”
Invisible Danger: A Threat to Children’s Health
At the peak of the smog, levels of PM2.5—dangerous microparticles that can enter the bloodstream through the lungs—surged over 60 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum.
While the government gave schools the option to reopen last week, the crisis shows no sign of abating. PM2.5 levels remained 16 times above the WHO limit, with Delhi frequently ranking as the world’s most polluted city, according to monitoring company IQAir.
Doctors warn against the severe impact of this toxic air on children’s developing lungs. A 2021 study published in the medical journal Lung India found that nearly one in three school-aged children in Delhi suffered from asthma and airflow obstruction.
The Digital Divide: Online Learning’s Limitations
Schools are directed to offer online alternatives during smog closures to minimize disruption to education. However, this solution highlights the stark divide between Delhi’s prosperous and impoverished communities.
“Online teaching doesn’t help much,” said Vandana Pandey, a language teacher. “Many children don’t have smartphones or struggle with network connectivity.”
Pandey added that these school closures did little to protect the health of her students, who primarily come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“They come from humble backgrounds,” she explained. “When they don’t have school, they are either playing outside or helping out their parents. They are not staying at home.”
“It’s not helping them in any way,” she concluded.
Piecemeal Solutions: A Battle Against a Daunting Threat
Delhi’s government has implemented piecemeal initiatives to combat air pollution, such as partial restrictions on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and deploying water trucks to spray mist and clear particulate matter from the air. However, these efforts have had a negligible impact.
Some believe that keeping children at home during smog events could improve air quality by reducing the number of Delhi residents commuting daily. Kashish, a sanitation worker and mother of two young students, expressed skepticism.
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What specific steps can schools take to minimize the impact of air pollution on students?
## Delhi Schools Reopen: A Short Interview
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Priya Sharma, a leading pulmonologist, to discuss the reopening of schools in Delhi amidst persistent smog. Dr. Sharma, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We saw schools reopen after weeks of closure due to hazardous air quality. Parents and students are understandably relieved, but concerns about the persisting smog remain. Can you shed some light on the health risks children face in this situation?
**Dr. Sharma:** The air quality in Delhi is a serious health concern, especially for children. As mentioned in recent reports [[1](https://www.aqi.in/dashboard/india/delhi/new-delhi)], the current AQI in Delhi is 212, classified as “Unhealthy”, with PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding WHO recommended limits.
These fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory problems, allergies, and even cardiovascular issues in the long term. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and immune systems.
**Host:** What are your thoughts on the decision to reopen schools despite the air quality levels?
**Dr. Sharma:** While I understand the importance of education and minimizing disruption, reopening schools while air quality remains this poor is concerning.
While the government is trying to manage the situation, more needs to be done to mitigate the source of pollution and protect children’s health.
**Host:** What recommendations would you make to parents and schools to protect children during this time?
**Dr. Sharma:** I strongly advise parents to stay informed about the air quality index and consider keeping children indoors during days with very poor air quality.
Schools can also play a role by limiting outdoor activities, investing in air purifiers, and educating students about the importance of wearing masks when outdoors. It’s a shared responsibility to ensure our children’s health and well-being.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your valuable insights. Your expertise helps shed light on this important issue.
**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure. Thank you for having me.