Delhi is currently experiencing a period of unrest with ongoing protests and rising pollution levels, creating challenges for schools and students. The Delhi Chalo protests organized by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are demanding fair prices, Minimum Support Price (MSP), and agricultural reforms. These protests have caused severe traffic congestion, leading to concerns over potential school closures.

Protests Impact Schools

The farmers’ protests, which saw clashes involving tear gas shelling by Haryana security forces, were called off on December 8, 2024. However, the disruptions had raised doubts about school operations. As of December 9, 2024, schools in Delhi are expected to remain open, but no official closure announcements have been made. Parents are advised to contact school authorities for the latest updates.

School Closures Due to Pollution

Previously, Delhi schools were closed due to dangerous pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 450 in areas like Patparganj, RK Puram, and Shadipur. However, after the Supreme Court approved a relaxation of restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), schools reopened on December 5, 2024.

Bomb Threats at Delhi Schools

In another alarming development, over 40 schools in Delhi, including Delhi Public School (DPS) RK Puram and GD Goenka in Paschim Vihar, received bomb threats via email on December 8, 2024. The email claimed multiple bombs had been planted in the schools and demanded a $30,000 ransom to defuse them. Authorities quickly responded and declared the threats a hoax after conducting thorough searches.

This series of events highlights the challenging environment that schools in Delhi are navigating, from political protests to pollution and security threats, all while aiming to continue providing education to students.