Delhi Schools Urged to Prepare for Hazardous Air Quality Episodes

Educational institutions across Delhi face mounting pressure to protect students and staff from hazardous air quality conditions as pollution levels spike seasonally. School authorities are being urged to take proactive steps to mitigate health risks during episodes of poor air quality that typically occur between October and February.

Key measures recommended for schools include maintaining and upgrading ventilation systems to ensure adequate air circulation within classrooms and common areas. Where feasible, institutions are advised to install air purifiers in frequently used spaces such as classrooms, libraries, and administrative offices to filter out particulate matter and pollutants.

School managements have also been counselled to modify their operational schedules and campus activities during severe pollution days. This includes postponing or shifting indoors activities that generate dust, such as construction work, sports events on outdoor fields, and other dust-generating operations. Physical education classes and assembly gatherings can be relocated to indoor venues equipped with air filtration systems.

Educational authorities emphasise that coordinated preparation enables schools to maintain academic continuity while safeguarding the health of students and staff. Parents are also being advised to monitor air quality indices in their locality and work with schools to ensure children's exposure to polluted air is minimised during critical periods.