NEW DELHI: With Delhi schools once again closing due to pollution, many parents are expressing their concerns about the effectiveness of virtual learning compared to physical classes and are urging the government to find a permanent solution.
Some parents have pointed out the lack of necessary equipment for online classes, while others have suggested that students should be informed in advance about the measures to be taken once the air quality index (AQI) starts to decline to avoid sudden transitions to virtual learning.
Ajit Mishra, the father of a class 2 student, emphasized the persistent issue of pollution in Delhi and the inadequacy of online classes, especially for students who lack the required equipment for remote learning.
Raj Kumar Kanojia, a parent of a class 6 student, expressed concerns about the quality of online classes, noting that only one to two classes are typically conducted during the day when students shift to the virtual mode.
Kanojia added that controlling pollution by keeping children at home is not a viable solution and called for the government to take concrete steps to address the issue and reconsider its policies to prevent unnecessary holidays or reliance on online classes.
The Delhi government has directed all schools to suspend physical classes, except for classes 10 and 12, until November 10 due to rising pollution levels.
Despite a slight improvement in pollution levels on Tuesday morning, with the AQI categorized as "very poor" after five consecutive days of severe air quality, the concentration of PM2.5 exceeded safe limits set by the government and the World Health Organization.
Another parent, Nishant, suggested that the government should proactively inform schools about pollution levels and the steps to be taken so that students can adjust their learning mode accordingly.
He also emphasized the need to address the root causes of pollution, such as stubble burning, and suggested the establishment of district-wise environmental task forces to manage pollution-related issues and recommend environmentally friendly alternatives.
Aparajita Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents' Association, proposed the introduction of a 'pollution vacation' in the annual school calendar to account for the recurring problem of pollution-related school closures.
Environmentalists like Bhavreen Kandhari called on the government to consider alternative solutions to air pollution rather than resorting to the drastic measure of school closures. They emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of pollution and implementing effective strategies to improve air quality to ensure a healthier environment for all, especially children who are most vulnerable to its adverse effects.
(With agency inputs)
