Schooling in India in times of poor air quality

Context: Schools in Delhi as a part of the Graded Response
Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle air pollution, which is triggered when the Air
Quality Index (AQI) is “poor” had been asked to switch from physical to online
mode. While other restrictions are imposed as a part of GRAP might have an
impact on air quality, the decision to switch schools to online mode needs to
be examined for its scientific rationale, practicability, and benefits and
risks. And when the younger children are forced to attend online classes, they
are being exposed to more harmful behaviour than receiving any possible or
perceived benefit therefore, the focus must be on keeping schools functional
and ensuring learning continuity.

Key points

·      
Overview: The revised GRAP contains targeted actions that need
to be taken by the agencies responsible/ implementing agencies when AQI (Air
Quality Index) of Delhi goes beyond a certain threshold.

·      
Graded
Response Action Plan (GRAP): GRAP
is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of
air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region.

Implementation - From 2021 onwards, the GRAP is being
implemented by the CAQM. The EPCA was dissolved and replaced by the Commission
for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2020.

·      
Revision of
GRAP: Stage I (Poor Air Quality
- AQI 201-300) - Enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on over aged diesel /
petrol vehicles.

Stage II (Very Poor- AQI 301-400) - Targeted actions to combat air pollution at
identified hotspots in the region. Regulated operations of DG (Diesel
Generators) have been set across all sectors in the NCR.

Stage III ('Severe'- AQI 401-450) - Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV
diesel four-wheelers in certain areas and may suspend physical classes in
schools for primary grade children up to Class 5.

Stage IV (Severe Plus- AQI greater than 450) - When the AQI exceeds 450, four-wheelers registered
outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel
vehicles and vehicle carrying essential commodity, will not be allowed to enter
the city.

·      
Ways to
keep the schools functional: First,
schools should not be made to switch to online classes, no matter what the
level of AQI is. The focus should be on keeping the school functional and
ensuring learning continuity. Can be done by halting all outdoor activities in
schools when the AQI is poor, personal protective measures, etc

Second, to
attend school, there is no need for a uniform directive for mask wearing. So,
if children and parents wear a face mask at home, they can wear it at school as
well.

Third, in
schools or other settings which have functional air purifiers, mask wearing is
not going to provide any additional advantage. For such settings, i.e.,
schools, ensuring that the classroom doors and windows are closed properly and
switching on air purifiers at least an hour before children arrive would ensure
‘good’ quality air.

Fourth,
‘online schooling’ is an oxymoron, an option of hybrid classes should not be
interpreted conveniently by schools.

Fifth,
poor air quality is a reminder that anyone who has pre-existing health or
respiratory conditions should take better care of their health. This means
having a routine checkup and a regular follow-up visit with health-care
providers.

·      
Some
impacts of air pollution: Breathing
Problems - Continuous exposure to poor quality air can lead to development
of bronchitis. It can cause cough, breathlessness, and wheezing in people.

Chronic Diseases - Poor air quality has potential to cause heart disease, stroke, and lung
cancer. This will reduce the lifespan of the population.

Health Burden - Poor air quality and the resultant health effects can be a financial
burden on households and the government.

Water Pollution - Nitrogen oxides emitted from power plants, cars, trucks, and other
sources contribute to the amount of nitrogen entering aquatic ecosystems. This
causes eutrophication.

Vegetation Growth - Studies have shown that poor quality of air can damage crops and trees
in a variety of ways. This will affect growth of greenery and food security.

·      
Conclusion: Air pollution is a big menace for the society,
especially in a city like Delhi, which faces this issue annually. It is
therefore necessary to carry out steps that provide a long-term solution to
this problem.