Delhi-NCR schools go hybrid; how air pollution is hitting kids hardest
Delhi-NCR schools are moving to hybrid classes for students up to Class 5 following a GRAP Stage 3 directive due to severe air pollution. This measure, prompted by dangerously high AQI levels, aims to protect young children from toxic air, as they are particularly vulnerable to its health impacts on respiratory, neurological, and cognitive development.
New Delhi: All schools in the Delhi-NCR National Capital Region (NCR) have been directed by the Education Department to hold classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode. This comes following the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) Stage 3 directive.
The directive, issued by Director of Education Veditha Reddy, IAS, points to the worsening air quality across the NCR and the enforcement of Stage III (Severe) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
On Tuesday, the Education Department circular said that all Government, Government Aided, and Unaided Recognized Private Schools under the Directorate of Education, New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Cantonment Board, have been directed to carry out classes in a hybrid format combining online and offline teaching until further orders.
What's behind the move
The decision has been taken as Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category for several consecutive days, which has forced authorities to implement more stringent measures to safeguard public health — especially that of young children. The AQI in some pockets has been hovering around 450. At these high levels, exposure to toxic air poses a huge health risk, particularly for children.
The CAQM’s Stage III GRAP is implemented when the AQI crosses 401. The measures under Stage III include a ban on non-essential construction work, restrictions on industrial activities using unapproved fuels, and advisories for schools and offices to reduce physical attendance.
According to environmentalists, toxic air is caused because of vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, construction dust, and industrial pollution. Adverse weather conditions also trap pollutants close to the ground.
As per officials, the shift to hybrid mode in schools is a precautionary measure aimed at limiting children’s exposure to poisonous air, particularly when children commute to school and indulge in outdoor activities.
Why are children more vulnerable
Air pollution hits children the hardest. This is because they breathe quicker than adults. Therefore, they breathe in more air and more pollutants go into their lungs. As a result of this, they are exposed to more health ailments caused by the toxins.
Experts also point out that the lungs and immune systems of children take time to develop. Constant, prolonged exposure to polluted air can affect the growth of their lungs and lead to long-term respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. According to health experts, the natural defense mechanisms of children are not fully developed, making it easier for fine pollutants to reach deep into their lungs and enter their bloodstream.
Tiny particulate matters like PM2.5 and PM10 mostly settle closer to the ground. As children are shorter in height, they are more exposed to these pollutants. It is also a fact that children commute to and from school and are engaged in outdoor activities. This also increases their exposure to foul air.
What's the health impact on them
Apart from respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, continuous exposure to air pollution in childhood can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular and neurological diseases later in life.
A new report by Policybazaar revealed that children are bearing the brunt of India’s worsening air pollution crisis, with 43 per cent of all pollution-linked health insurance claims coming from the 0–10 age group. The report pointed out that pollution-related illnesses now make up 8% of all hospitalisation claims, with respiratory and cardiac diseases accounting for most of the spike.
Dr Rashmi Kapoor, HOD, Department of Pediatrics, Regency Health Kanpur, was quoted as saying by PTI: "Pollution affects not only the lungs but the entire body of children. Since their brains are still developing, it has been observed that conditions like autism and ADHD are increasing due to pollution. PM 2.5 particles can cross the brain's blood–brain barrier, and once inside, they interfere with the developing neural systems." Air pollution can also take a huge toll on children’s cognitive development. It can affect their learning, reading, writing, and memory skills.
Doctors have also warned that air pollution can also raise blood sugar levels. This could increase the growing diabetes burden for India. Prolonged exposure is likely to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes among children. That could be the last nail in the coffin!