Big decision: 10,000 air purifiers to be installed in government schools, classes will no longer stop due to pollution

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Delhi government has taken a major step to protect children’s health and ensure uninterrupted education during the winter pollution season. Every year, severe air pollution forces schools to shut down or shift to online classes, affecting students’ studies and daily routines. To address this recurring problem, the government has decided to install air purifiers on a large scale in government schools.

In the first phase, 10,000 air purifiers will be installed, and in the next phase, the facility will be extended to every classroom of government schools. The clear objective of this initiative is to ensure that even if outdoor air quality remains hazardous, students can breathe clean air inside classrooms and continue their studies without disruption.

On December 19, 2025, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping from the “very poor” to the “severe” category. Several areas recorded AQI levels between 387 and 480, turning the city into what many described as a “gas chamber.” Thick smog has caused breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and throat problems among residents. In response, GRAP Stage-4 restrictions have been enforced, including a complete ban on construction activities, restrictions on certain vehicles, and work-from-home for 50 percent of office staff.

School children have been among the worst affected. Currently, classes from nursery to Class 5 are being conducted entirely online, while Classes 6 to 11 are following a hybrid model. Only Class 10 and 12 students are attending schools regularly due to board examinations, and all outdoor activities and sports have been suspended.

Amid this situation, Education Minister Ashish Sood announced the air purifier initiative, stating that it will significantly improve indoor air quality by filtering harmful particles. The government aims not only to safeguard children’s health but also to permanently end the annual disruption of schooling caused by pollution, ensuring that education continues smoothly every winter.