Delhi Schools Reopen Amid Persisting Smog Crisis
Relief washed over students and parents in Delhi as schools reopened, marking a return to normalcy after weeks of closures due to hazardous air quality. But the shroud of smog still clung to the Indian capital, a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental crisis that continues to cast a shadow over the city.
For 13-year-old Aniksha, the resumption of in-person classes after a two-week hiatus brought a sense of joy. “It’s boring to stay home,” she said, highlighting the needs of students beyond academics. “You can do more in school. You can interact with the teachers and also get their help.”
Meanwhile, for millions of others, the sky above Delhi remained a despairing sight. The haze, composed of factory emissions, vehicle exhaust, and smoke from burning agricultural fields, stubbornly lingered, turning the city into a giant, suffocating bowl.
An Annual Ritual
Deep Sigh as Delhi Schools Reopen but Smog Crisis Persists
Nearly two million students across Delhi were out of school for two weeks last month as a sickening haze choked the city. The thick smog fueled by vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and seasonal crop burning reached dangerous levels, putting millions at risk. </p Hicks, a term kids and parents alike were growing accustomed to, highlighting the limitations of limiting the crisis intensified Last month saw a surge in more than 60 times the World Health Organization's recommended limits, prompting school closures to shield vulnerable children'relieved to be
Toxic Air Threatening Young Lives
The pervasive smog poses a significant health hazard for Delhi’s residents, especially the most vulnerable, including school children. A 2021 study published in the medical journal *Lung India* found that almost a third of school-aged children in Delhi suffered from asthma and airflow obstruction.
A study in the Lancet medical journal attributed 1.67 million premature deaths in India to air pollution in 2019. The foul air severely impacts children, with devastating effects on their physical and mental well-being.
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What are the short-term solutions being implemented to mitigate the impact of smog on Delhi schools?
## Interview Transcript: Delhi Schools Reopen Amidst Smog
**Interviewer:** We are joined today by Dr. Priya Sharma, an environmental scientist specializing in air quality, to discuss the recent reopening of schools in Delhi despite the persistent smog crisis. Dr. Sharma, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** As we know, Delhi schools have finally reopened after being closed for two weeks due to hazardous air quality. What are your thoughts on this decision, especially considering the smog is still prevalent?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s a difficult situation with no easy answers. While it’s crucial for children to return to their normal learning environments, reopening schools amidst this severe air pollution puts their health at risk. [[1](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/delhi-air-pollution-india-smog-emergency-measures/)]reports that the smog is a result of a complex combination of factors, including factory emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural burning. This cocktail of pollutants is extremely harmful to children’s developing respiratory systems.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned children’s health. We heard from a student, Aniksha, who expressed relief at returning to school, but also acknowledged the ongoing smog problem. How can parents and school authorities balance the need for education with the very real dangers of air pollution?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s a delicate balancing act. Open communication between schools, parents, and health officials is crucial. Mitigation measures within schools, such as air purifiers, ventilation systems, and reduced outdoor activities, are essential. Parents should also be vigilant about monitoring air quality levels and keeping children indoors during peak pollution hours.
**Interviewer:** The article mentions this smog problem being an “annual ritual” in Delhi. What are some long-term solutions to address this recurring crisis?
**Dr. Sharma:** Tackling this issue requires a multi-pronged approach. Stricter regulations on industrial emissions and vehicle standards are necessary. Promoting public transportation and encouraging sustainable farming practices can also significantly reduce pollution levels. It’s a long road, but coordinated efforts from the government, industries, and citizens are vital to ensure cleaner air for Delhi and its residents.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your expertise on this important issue. We hope the situation in Delhi improves soon.