The worsening air quality in Ludhiana is impacting schoolchildren, with an increasing number of students, especially younger ones, experiencing symptoms like breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin discomfort due to heavy smog. Although there hasn’t been a significant increase in the number of children visiting the local hospital for checkups, the smog is worsening symptoms for those with asthma and triggering new allergies, according to Dr. Renu Bansal, a pediatrician at Ludhiana’s civil hospital.
Students and teachers alike have reported health challenges, with some children missing school due to illness. A government school student, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that riding a bicycle home in low visibility feels unsafe. “With the smog and low visibility, it feels dangerous. I can’t even think of going outside without a mask,” the student said.
Dr. Bansal pointed out that issues like dry eyes and chest pain are common during such conditions, especially affecting children with pre-existing respiratory problems. “The cases of eye dryness and chest pain are usually expected in such weather conditions,” she added.
School officials are seeing the impact firsthand. Jagjit Singh Mann, district president of the Government Teachers’ Union and head teacher at Government Primary School in Mangli Uchi, reported that students are experiencing breathing issues, eye infections, and skin irritation. Similar concerns were raised by Sukhdhir Sekhon, head teacher at Government Primary Smart School in Moti Nagar, who confirmed students are suffering from eye discomfort.
Many parents are requesting early dismissal to avoid travel risks after dark. Naresh Kumar, principal of Sekhewal School of Eminence, highlighted the difficulties faced by students from nearby villages and noted that visibility is poor even during the day, worsening in the evenings.
At Rukmani Devi Bal Vidyalaya, 20 primary school children were sent home early this week due to breathing issues. Attendance at Government Senior Secondary School, Basti Jodhewal, has dropped by about 15% due to health concerns, according to teachers.
There are calls for temporary school closures, particularly for primary students, but district education officer Ravinder Kaur believes closures would be detrimental to studies. “Closing schools could hurt studies. Instead, we need more public awareness to reduce the causes of this smog,” Kaur said.
To help manage symptoms, Dr. Bansal suggests preventive measures like regular handwashing, staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and using eye drops to keep eyes moist.
As the smog persists, schools and healthcare providers are working to balance children’s health needs with educational priorities, while emphasizing the importance of broader efforts to improve air quality in the region.
Sources By Agencies
