India

Delhi Schools to Adopt Winter Pollution‑Control Measures from October 2026

By Livemint

The Delhi government has ordered all recognised schools—government, government‑aided and private unaided—to implement pollution‑control steps during the winter months. A circular from the Directorate of Education (DoE) dated 29 October outlines measures to be taken from October 2026 to February 2027. Schools must control dust by sprinkling water, improve classroom ventilation, expand green spaces, and avoid dust‑generating construction. They are also asked to promote public transport, car‑pooling, recycling and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The plan aims to reduce pollution on school premises and limit students’ exposure to harmful pollutants.

Between October and November, schools will run anti‑firecracker campaigns through classroom discussions, lectures, awareness drives and slogan‑writing competitions, educating students about the environmental and health consequences of pollution. In November, dedicated air‑pollution awareness programmes—including poster‑making, essay‑writing competitions, quizzes and lectures—will be organised. Schools are also instructed to prevent open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste on campus and to provide electric heaters for sanitation, security and horticulture staff.

The DoE has proposed a phased installation of air purifiers, beginning with 10,000 classrooms in government schools. Some schools are already considering such installations. School heads must submit monthly progress reports via a designated Google Sheet by the last day of each month and are encouraged to involve parents and the School Management Committee in pollution‑control efforts.

Principal Jyoti Arora of Mount Abu School said the school had issued directions to parents and students and advised against bursting firecrackers. Principal Tania Joshi of The Indian School in South Delhi said her school is considering installing air purifiers.

Delhi’s winter air quality deteriorates due to vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution and weather conditions, making children particularly vulnerable. The Winter Action Plan seeks to involve schools, students, parents and staff in reducing exposure to harmful pollutants while supporting broader government measures to tackle the city’s air‑quality crisis.