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Delhi Air Pollution: Schools Face Shutdown Amidst Toxic Smog
12 Nov
Summary
- Children under five are most vulnerable to toxic air due to developing immune systems.
- Experts suggest delaying school start times and shifting to online classes.
- A call has been made for a dedicated ministry to combat air pollution.
In Delhi-NCR, the escalating toxic air quality is forcing authorities to consider shutting down schools or adopting hybrid learning models. Paediatric nephrologist Dr. Sanjeev Bagai has raised serious concerns, emphasizing that children, particularly those under five years old, face heightened risks due to their developing immune systems and faster respiration rates.
Dr. Bagai strongly recommends adjusting school schedules by delaying start times and implementing online classes. This measure aims to protect children from the dangerously high pollution levels prevalent during early morning hours. Furthermore, he is advocating for the creation of a specialized ministry dedicated to tackling air pollution, to be led by experts in science, medicine, and environmental fields, asserting clean air as a fundamental right.
The ongoing air pollution crisis in the region underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Experts believe that a coordinated, expert-led approach is essential to safeguard public health, especially that of the most vulnerable populations like young children. The demand for a dedicated ministry reflects a growing consensus on the severity of the issue and the necessity for systemic intervention.
