Delhi to install air purifiers in 10,000 government school classrooms

The Delhi government has unveiled plans to equip 10,000 classrooms in government schools with air purifiers in the first phase of a city-wide initiative aimed at protecting students from hazardous air pollution.

According to Education Minister Ashish Sood, tenders for the installation of air purifiers will be issued immediately, marking the start of a phased rollout to ensure clean indoor air for students across the national capital.

The first phase will cover 10,000 classrooms, with subsequent phases planned to extend the program to all government school classrooms in Delhi.

"In the next phase, air purifiers will be installed in every classroom of government schools. We do not play with children's breathing, nor will we allow anyone to do so," Sood said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to student health and safety.

He added that the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce children’s exposure to dangerous air, especially during winter months when pollution levels often reach severe levels.

The decision comes as Delhi continues to face dangerously high air pollution, with air quality frequently falling into the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories.

Children remain among the most vulnerable groups, at risk of respiratory illnesses, asthma, and long-term lung damage.

Recent weeks have seen emergency measures such as construction restrictions, vehicular curbs, and changes to school operations, particularly for younger students.

By installing air purifiers, the government aims to improve indoor air quality in classrooms, preventing prolonged exposure to particulate matter during school hours.

Officials have said that installations will be carefully planned and monitored to maximize their effectiveness.

Education department sources noted that controlling indoor pollution is critical, given the number of hours children spend in classrooms each day.

In addition to classroom interventions, Sood announced that the Bhalswa landfill site will be fully cleared by September 2026.

The landfill has long been a significant contributor to air and environmental pollution in Delhi.

The government reiterated that removing legacy waste and upgrading waste management infrastructure is a central component of the city’s long-term pollution mitigation strategy.

The initiative reflects a broader approach to balance education with health concerns. As winter pollution continues to pose serious health risks, the phased deployment of air purifiers in government school classrooms is expected to provide immediate relief for students while larger pollution control measures continue to be implemented.