Delhi-NCR’s air quality has reached a critical level, prompting parents to call for immediate action. On November 4, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 555, raising concerns about children’s safety in schools. A LocalCircles survey revealed that over half of the parents surveyed are urging local authorities to implement a school smog break from November 10 to 15. This request comes as the region braces for the anticipated pollution peak following Diwali.

In the survey, which garnered more than 38,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, a significant 53 per cent of parents expressed the need for a proactive announcement regarding the break. Meanwhile, 47 per cent indicated that schools should only close if air quality deteriorates to a severe level.

Current Air Quality Situation and Its Implications

The alarming AQI of 555 on November 4 reflects the severity of the pollution crisis in the region. The average PM2.5 levels were recorded at 450 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 levels reached 215. To put this into perspective, the permissible 24-hour limit for PM2.5 in India is 60 micrograms per cubic metre, and the World Health Organisation recommends a limit of 15.

Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of polluted air due to their developing lungs and higher air intake relative to their body weight. Daily activities such as commuting to school, outdoor assemblies, and sports can significantly increase their exposure to harmful pollutants. A study by the Central Pollution Control Board, conducted in collaboration with the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, highlighted that 43.5 per cent of children in Delhi exhibited reduced lung function compared to 25.7 per cent in rural areas.

Parental Preferences for School Operations During Proposed Break

When asked how schools should operate during the proposed break, responses were varied. Among the 19,566 parents surveyed, 49 per cent preferred that physical classes be suspended in favour of online learning. Additionally, 25 per cent advocated for complete school closures without online classes. A further 13 per cent suggested optional online classes, while another 13 per cent wanted schools to remain open unless pollution levels reached a severe status.

Overall, 74 per cent of parents indicated a desire for physical classes to be halted during the proposed break, while 62 per cent supported some form of online learning. This suggests that the majority of parents are not opposed to education continuing but are primarily concerned about their children’s exposure to polluted air.

Challenges and the Need for Unified Policies

The proposed break coincides with a period when air quality is expected to worsen, particularly following Diwali on November 8. Stubble burning incidents in Punjab have also surged, contributing significantly to the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The overlap of post-Diwali emissions and increased farm fires could exacerbate the situation in the second week of November.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by parents is the lack of a cohesive school closure policy across Delhi-NCR. Currently, decisions are made by separate authorities, resulting in inconsistent school schedules even when pollution levels are similar. Previous winters have seen last-minute interventions, underscoring the need for a more structured approach to managing school operations during pollution peaks.

As the region prepares for another challenging winter, parents are calling for a decisive response from authorities. With pollution levels already alarmingly high, the need for a common decision regarding school operations is becoming increasingly urgent. The outcome of these discussions will determine how schools navigate the hazardous air quality conditions in the coming weeks.

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