Delhi Schools Step Up Anti-Pollution Measures, Plan to Restrict Outdoor Activities After Diwali

Private schools in Delhi are stepping up measures to protect students from rising air pollution, with plans to postpone outdoor activities after Diwali, install air purifiers in classrooms and advise children to wear masks.

Schools are also placing indoor plants, including snake plants, and organising awareness campaigns to educate students about the harmful effects of air pollution and firecrackers.

Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL International School in Dwarka, said the institution was taking precautionary steps to minimise children's exposure to polluted air. The school plans to postpone outdoor activities until air quality improves. Air purifiers have been installed in classrooms, while students have been advised to wear masks when stepping outside.

Mallika Preman, principal of Tagore International School, said schools were focusing on preventive measures as well as environmental awareness. She said outdoor activities would be restricted during periods of poor air quality, while students would be encouraged to avoid firecrackers and adopt environment-friendly practices.

The principal of Global School in Rohini said the institution was closely monitoring pollution levels and reviewing its outdoor activity schedule to ensure children were not exposed to unhealthy air.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Education has directed all government and private schools to hold special assemblies on November 5 and 6 to sensitise students against bursting firecrackers. The directive follows a Supreme Court judgement dated October 29 concerning firecracker use and air quality management during the festive season.

Schools have been asked to explain the harmful effects of fireworks on the environment and living beings, and promote alternatives such as earthen lamps, candles and electric decorative lights. The circular also prohibits firecracker use within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones.