Noida- Educational institutes to remain open in Gautam Buddh Nagar

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board withdrew the order for closure of educational institutions in Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, and Bulandshahr in view of air pollution just hours after it was issued.

Rajiva Singh, a resident of Gautam Budh Nagar, says, “Children have been the worst affected lot for the last two years. Firstly, it was the pandemic and now it is the bad air quality. Studies show that children and senior citizens are the most vulnerable age groups to be affected because of bad air quality. Their outdoor activities have to be restricted. Schools have to seriously start thinking of providing good air quality inside classrooms. Sprinkling water in playgrounds also needs to be done on a regular basis”.

Madhu Singh, a member of the Cambridge School Parents Association, says, “The idea of closing schools was not at all a good one and it is also not the only solution. If schools shut down again, students will lose interest in their studies. If the schools take a firm step and responsibilities, we are ready to send our kids”.

“The pollution level is so high that kids are coughing and there is itching in their eyes. There is an immediate need to stop this pollution menace if we want to keep our kids healthy and safe. If this continues, we may have to shift our base to some other less polluting location. Also, precautions need to be taken from the side of authorities and schools”, says Tanmay Tyagi, a resident of Gaur City, Greater Noida.