Supreme Court Pushes for School Reopening in NCR Amid Pollution Concerns
The Supreme Court on Monday suggested that schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) should reopen despite persistent high pollution levels. However, it left the final decision to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including whether to continue the ban on physical classes for students in Classes 10 and 12.
The court highlighted three pressing issues arising from prolonged school closures:
- Lack of Air Purifiers at Home: Many students lack air purifiers in their homes, making their exposure to pollution similar whether they stay at home or attend school.
- Limited Access to Online Education: A significant number of students lack facilities for online learning, putting them at risk of falling behind academically.
- Mid-Day Meal Deprivation: The closure of schools and anganwadis has denied many children access to mid-day meals, impacting their nutrition and well-being.
The court urged the CAQM to make a swift decision, suggesting action by the end of the day or by the next morning.
Adverse Impact of GRAP-4 Restrictions
The top court also acknowledged the widespread impact of restrictions under GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan), particularly on laborers and daily wage workers. It directed the CAQM to take measures under Section 12 of the Air Act to ensure such vulnerable groups are not disproportionately affected.
Monitoring Air Quality
The Supreme Court reviewed Air Quality Index (AQI) data from November 20-23, which ranged from 300 to 419, placing Delhi’s air in the “very poor” to “severe” category. It instructed the CAQM to provide updated AQI data at the next hearing to evaluate the continuation of GRAP-4 measures.
This development comes as authorities balance pollution control with the needs of students and economically vulnerable populations.
