Supreme Court Weighs In on Delhi School Reopening, Air Purifiers, and Mid-Day Meals

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Supreme Court Pushes for School Reopening in NCR Amid Persistent Pollution Concerns

On Monday, the Supreme Court weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the reopening of schools in the National Capital Region (NCR), despite the region grappling with high levels of pollution. The Court suggested that schools should consider reopening, but left the final decision to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including whether the ban on physical classes for Classes 10 and 12 should remain in place.

Court Highlights Key Issues Arising from School Closures

In its observations, the Court emphasized several significant consequences stemming from the prolonged closure of schools:

  • Lack of Air Purifiers at Home: The Court pointed out that many students do not have access to air purifiers at home, leaving them equally exposed to the harmful effects of pollution whether they are attending school or staying indoors.
  • Limited Access to Online Education: Another crucial issue highlighted by the Court was the lack of online learning facilities for a large number of students. This digital divide has raised concerns that students without access to the necessary tools are falling behind academically.
  • Mid-Day Meal Deprivation: The closure of schools and anganwadis has led to a denial of essential mid-day meals for many children. The Court recognized that this has had a detrimental impact on the nutrition and overall well-being of vulnerable children.

The Court urged the CAQM to make a swift decision, ideally by the end of the day or by the following morning, to provide clarity on the matter.

Addressing the Impact of GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court also expressed concerns about the broader effects of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) restrictions, which are intended to combat the severe air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. The Court noted that these restrictions have had significant socio-economic consequences, particularly for laborers and daily wage workers who are among the most vulnerable groups.

In light of this, the Court instructed the CAQM to take additional steps under Section 12 of the Air Act to ensure that these groups are not disproportionately affected by the pollution control measures.

Monitoring Air Quality and Evaluating Further Action

The Court also reviewed the Air Quality Index (AQI) data for the period between November 20-23, which showed the pollution levels fluctuating between the “very poor” to “severe” categories, with AQI readings ranging from 300 to 419. This led the Court to request updated AQI data from the CAQM at the next hearing to help assess whether the GRAP-4 restrictions should continue or if further measures are required.

Striking a Balance: Pollution Control and Public Needs

The Supreme Court’s intervention comes at a crucial time, as authorities are grappling with the complex task of balancing the urgent need for pollution control with the educational and social needs of students, as well as the economic welfare of vulnerable populations. The decision on whether schools will reopen, and how the GRAP-4 restrictions will be managed, will require careful consideration of all these factors, especially as air quality remains a persistent concern in the region.

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