Supreme Court Urges Reopening of Delhi Schools Amid Air Quality Crisis

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. The Supreme Court urged CAQM to consider reopening Delhi-NCR schools.
2. The court highlighted that most homes lack air purifiers.
3. Concerns about mid-day meals and online learning challenges were raised.
4. Schools were closed due to severe air quality levels.
5. GRAP-4 restrictions will continue despite the reopening consideration.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Supreme Court’s Recommendation

On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to assess reopening schools in Delhi-NCR. Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih emphasized that many homes lack air purifiers, making staying at home or attending school equally risky for children.

Impact on Students

The court raised significant concerns about students missing mid-day meals and struggling with online education due to limited digital resources. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy highlighted these issues and questioned the absence of educational representatives in CAQM’s decision-making process.

GRAP-4 Restrictions Remain

Despite considering school reopenings, the court refused to relax GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan) measures. These include bans on non-essential truck entry into Delhi and construction activities. The bench criticized Delhi authorities for lapses in implementing these measures and stressed strict enforcement.

Next Steps

CAQM is expected to decide on reopening schools by Tuesday, potentially implementing the changes from November 27. The next hearing is scheduled for November 28, where further developments will be discussed.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Supreme Court urges reopening Delhi-NCR schools due to educational impacts.
• Lack of air purifiers at home poses equal risk for students.
• GRAP-4 restrictions will stay in place.

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