Sports classes in primary schools in Delhi have been closed due to increasing air pollution. With this, the authorities are taking measures to ensure the safety of students of sixth grade and above, who will be taking their classes offline.

The use of N95 masks is mandatory

Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School, Dwarka, issued a notice to the school highlighting efforts to promote eco-friendly habits, such as carpooling, hydration and maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants. The city’s air quality was in the severe category on Friday with the AQI at 9 a.m. at 411.

She said: “We have guidelines in place for students attending school. Outdoor activities are restricted. We encourage indoor activities such as reading, painting, crafts and games such as chess and the carrom.” Acharya issued a notice to the school highlighting efforts to promote eco-friendly habits, such as carpooling, staying hydrated and maintaining an antioxidant-rich diet.

“We have mandated the use of N95 masks, are keeping all doors and windows closed, and are taking special care of students with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma,” she said.

Let us tell you that the day before, on November 15, 2024), Chief Minister Atishi announced that all schools up to class 5 would shift to online studies until further notice. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed government and private schools and schools run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to suspend offline classes for such students.

Air pollution in Delhi

Rajiv Hasija, principal of Indraprastha International School, Dwarka, said teachers will continue to teach on campus using Microsoft Teams smart boards equipped with the entire curriculum to facilitate online learning effectively.

“We will also share recorded sessions with students who can review them and those who miss classes for any reason will be able to catch up. Students are asked to wear school uniforms during their online classes, and they have also 15 minutes between classes take a walk and hydrate,” Hassija said.

“We also ensure that our campus remains green and consult parents who are doctors to offer healthy eating suggestions to students. Additionally, we advise families to incorporate home remedies, such as taking steam,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Khatri, president of Shiksha Nyay Manch, said online classes would be conducted in MCD-run schools. However, teachers should come to school to follow lessons.

(With PTI inputs)

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