Severe air pollution in Delhi has forced a major shift in the city’s education system. Millions of school children have had their routines disrupted as thick, hazardous smog covers the city. With air quality dropping to dangerous levels, the Delhi government has directed schools up to class 5 to move to a hybrid system — combining online and physical courses — to protect young learners.
The announcement on November 11, 2025, came after a surge in respiratory illnesses among children. Health experts raised concerns that prolonged exposure to the toxic air could lead to long-term complications. Officials say they will continue monitoring the situation closely and may switch to fully online classes if pollution levels worsen.
During a press briefing, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta explained that the decision followed the activation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP Stage III, a set of emergency measures designed to reduce pollution. These include a ban on non-essential construction and new restrictions on vehicle movement. She emphasized that the safety of children remains the top priority while the government works with multiple agencies to stabilize air quality.
Doctors across Delhi are reporting a rise in cases of allergies, coughing, and asthma attacks among children. The Air Quality Index has remained above 350 — a level officially classified as “severe.” The National Capital Region, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, is also struggling under the thick blanket of smog.
A Similar Crisis in Nigeria’s Rivers State
Delhi’s crisis mirrors a long-standing environmental challenge familiar to Nigerians — particularly residents of Rivers State during Governor Nyesom Wike’s tenure. For years, the state grappled with widespread soot pollution, largely caused by illegal crude oil refining and burning.
The black soot settled on homes, streets, and lungs, contributing to serious respiratory problems. According to reports, over 22,000 people suffered respiratory ailments within five years. Although a committee recommended organizing artisanal refiners into cooperatives to enforce cleaner practices, delays and political hurdles slowed progress.
The Rivers State government did take some steps — shutting down polluting plants, seizing tires used for burning, and closing companies linked to emissions. However, without strong federal collaboration, the soot problem persisted, leaving cities like Port Harcourt under a constant haze.
According to the State of Global Air report, 7.9 million premature deaths every year are linked to air pollution, now killing more people than tobacco worldwide. It remains the largest environmental threat to human health.
Both Delhi and Rivers State show how environmental mismanagement can quickly turn into a public health emergency. And in both regions, children — the most vulnerable — bear the greatest burdens.
