DoE wants parents not to let kids out

Issues circular to schools to appeal to parents to restrict outdoor activities

A man and his daughter wear pollution masks and wait for the school bus in the morning smog in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. Thick smog has constricted India's capital this week, smudging landmarks from view and leaving residents frustrated at the lack of meaningful action by authorities. The air was the worst it has been all year in New Delhi, with microscopic particles that can affect breathing and health spiking to 75 times the level considered safe by the World Health Organization. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all heads of government, government-aided and unaided recognised schools under its jurisdiction to appeal to parents to restrain their children from undertaking outdoor activities.

‘Worrisome situation’

“All heads are directed to appeal to parents of their students about the worrisome air pollution situation prevailing in and across Delhi, and further to restrain their children from undertaking outdoor activities till severe pollution conditions persist,” reads the circular.

Alarming levels of air pollution earlier this month had forced schools to remain closed for a week.

The DoE said it issued the circular after receiving an order from the Special Secretary (Environment)-cum-Member Secretary, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Department of Environment, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, in compliance with the directions issued by Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal in a high-level meeting held on November 8.

Outdoor activities

“Outdoor activities and exposure to polluted conditions can have long-term detrimental effects on the health of children. Therefore, parents may be requested to adopt preventive approach to safeguard their child’s health,” said the DoE circular.