Mumbai: Poor air quality tests examinees; schools take steps so they can breathe easily

A blanket of smog reduces visibility near Borivli on February 20. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

While Mumbai has been grappling with poor air quality, dust, and visibility troubles, these issues are of special concern to exam-bound students who travel to their respective centres nearly daily. CBSE, ICSE, and Maharashtra State Board students, several of whom commute to sit for the Stds X and XII exams, stated that while trains and the Metro are convenient, they also tend to avoid these modes of transport owing to the rush.

With annual exams around the corner for school students, many institutions have made plans to ensure students are healthy. While air purifiers have already been the norm for many Mumbai schools, institutions are also integrating indoor plants, breathing exercises, and awareness camps for students and teachers.

Exam-bound students have been dealing with poor air quality, dust, and visibility issues. Representation Pic/ASHISH RAJE

"We have shifted sports activities indoors and are staggering dispersal timings to help students avoid peak pollution in the late afternoon. With exams around the corner, our infirmaries are on standby, and staff and teachers are sensitised to identify early symptoms of discomfort. We are agreeing to parents' requests by permitting inhalers, offering flexible seating, and allowing medical leave where necessary," said Arlene Gonsalves, a Chemistry Teacher from Gopi Birla Memorial School.

Dos
>>Use masks and avoid exposure to smoke, dust, pollution
>>Inhale steam, take medicines as suggested by your doctor
>>Focus on getting proper sleep and nutrition

Dr Sanjeev K Mehta, pulmonologist

Don'ts
>>Don't ignore early signs of sickness
>>Avoid travelling in open vehicles if possible
>>Avoid contamination; distance yourself from peers who are already ill

Students speak

Vidhi Sureliya, HSC student
I live in Dahisar, and my centre is in Juhu. My father has been dropping me off on his two-wheeler. I already have a sinus problem, and the dust and air quality give me trouble even before I can reach the centre.

Shaurya Patil, HSC student
I live near Kandarpada, Dahisar, and my centre is in Thakur Village, Kandivli. I have asthma and my dust allergy is triggered if I walk even a little distance, and I keep coughing and sneezing.

Tanisha Potdar, HSC student
I travel from Borivali to Juhu in an autorickshaw. Throughout the commute, I keep coughing due to the rampant dust, but thankfully, I settle down by the time I reach the centre.