Delhi: Students Express Concerns About Pollution, Urge Govt To Find Permanent Solution

Students from various schools across Delhi-NCR gathered to express worries about pollution's effects.

The pollution and subsequent shutting down of the schools are impacting students studies. (Representational Image)) ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: Students from various schools across Delhi-NCR gathered in Central Delhi on Wednesday, displaying posters and expressing worries about pollution's effects. They urged the government to seek a permanent solution to this pressing issue.

While some highlighted health concerns such as chest congestion, eye redness, and frequent coughing, children from slum areas emphasized how school closures during heightened pollution levels impacted their education due to a lack of access to necessary gadgets.

Shiv Haider, a resident of Bhalaswa's slum area, voiced how pollution significantly affected both their health and studies. With only one mobile phone shared among his family, the challenges became more pronounced.

"The pollution and subsequent shutting down of the schools impacted our studies badly. My parents work as scrap dealers and I also have a sister who is a school student. There is just one phone for all of us," Haider told PTI.

"When the schools were shut in Delhi due to pollution, my sister and I used to take turns to attend online classes and as a result, we used to miss classes every alternate day," he added.

Amidst severe air pollution in November, Delhi government schools had a partial 'winter vacation' from November 9 to November 18.

Shivangi Jha, a 14-year-old student, recounted health challenges like chest congestion and cough during November when the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels surpassed 400, reaching the severe category.

"In the face of annual air pollution peaks, I've struggled to breathe while waiting for my school bus. I had health issues like chest congestion and cough for a long time. We have come here to be heard. We are tired of being not able to lead a normal life," Jha said.

Environmental advocate Bhavreen Kandhari highlighted the severity of pollution in Delhi and its detrimental impact on children. She said that there is a crucial need for immediate intervention from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to tackle the ongoing battle against air pollution.

"Access to clean air is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Amidst a public health crisis, it's alarming that parliamentary discussions don't explicitly prioritise clean air and the children have to come here to jolt the leaders. Urgent intervention from the Prime Minister's Office is essential to address this escalating battle against air pollution," Kandhari said.