New Delhi (India) – Parent associations in Delhi are calling on the Delhi government to switch all classes to online learning as air pollution levels have reached dangerously high levels. Families are concerned about the health of their children as a dense layer of smog covers Delhi, and its air quality has reached “very poor.”
Delhi’s Air Quality Index was 309 according to the Central Pollution Control Board on Monday. This puts Delhi in the category of “very poor.” Experts have said that the conditions could worsen by Tuesday to “severe,” making outdoor activity dangerous, especially for children and seniors.
The PM2.5 levels reached 278 micrograms/cubic meter. Both are well above the safe limit recommended by authorities. The microscopic particle can reach deep into the lungs or bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Also See: Delhi Air Pollution Reaches Crisis Levels at 15 Times the WHO Safety Limit
Many parents report their children getting sicker more often. They say that many of them are experiencing respiratory problems, coughing, and irritation in the eyes. Parents’ associations submitted formal requests for education authorities after stating that children are at greater risk of illness when they attend school under such hazardous conditions.
Our children have headaches, and they are having difficulty breathing. “This is not normal,” [Parent Representative Quote placeholder] said. The government needs to act fast and move the classes online as soon as possible until there is calm.
For years, schools in the National Capital Region have been dealing with an annual pollution crisis. In previous episodes of severe pollution, the authorities implemented emergency measures such as school closings and building bans. The government has not yet announced any official lockdowns.
Delhi was engulfed in a thick fog on Monday, which affected visibility and daily activities. Many residents compared the feeling of the heavy air to that of smoking. Images of grey and smoky air are all over social media.
The medical community has expressed increasing concern over the health effects of pollution on Delhi, particularly for children’s developing lungs. In peak pollutant seasons, hospitals report an increase in admissions due to respiratory issues.
This current spike in pollution is a familiar pattern, influenced by seasonal factors such as stubble burning, lower wind speeds, and temperatures that trap pollutants near the ground. Vehicle emissions and industrial activity continue to contribute to the toxic mixture.
The environmental activists are calling for comprehensive plans of action to combat Delhi’s air pollution crisis. While temporary measures such as school closings are necessary to protect the immediate environment, they cannot address the root problems that require year-round care.
Delhi’s government implemented a Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP, during previous severe episodes of pollution. This plan included measures such as banning construction, restricting vehicle movement, and closing schools. Critics argue, however, that such reactive measures are not sufficient to address the magnitude of the crisis.
Parents have begun to keep their children inside and invest in air purifiers. Online-capable schools are developing contingency plans. Institutions lacking digital resources still face infrastructure issues.
This situation has led to a broader discussion about the right to clean air and the authorities’ responsibility to protect the public. Parents are organizing in order to keep pressure on the decision makers, highlighting that their children’s safety cannot be compromised as they wait for a long-term solution.
Forecasts indicate that the atmospheric conditions could remain inhospitable to pollution dispersion over the next few days. This may prolong the current crisis. The authorities are closely monitoring the air quality and could announce more emergency measures in case conditions worsen.
The debate about school operations continues as Delhiites wake up to another toxic day. The parents are hopeful that the government will take swift action to prioritize the health and safety of children over administrative convenience.
