Schools across Ahmedabad are adopting fuel-conservation measures in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal, encouraging students and staff to cycle, carpool, use public transport and opt for electric school bus services. Some institutions have also shifted higher secondary classes online.
Anand Niketan School’s Satellite campus started online classes on Thursday. While the move was primarily driven by ongoing renovation and infrastructure upgrade work, the school said it also aligns with the Prime Minister’s call to save fuel.
“We began renovation work during the summer vacation and expected it to be completed by June. However, the conflict in West Asia delayed the procurement of certain construction materials, affecting the project timeline,” said principal Sonal Narang.
She added that the school consulted the District Education Officer (DEO) regarding online classes and was informed that the decision was voluntary. “With parents’ consent, we chose to conduct online classes for senior students. This has allowed renovation work to continue without disrupting academics. Our teachers are well trained and the school is fully equipped for online learning,” Narang said.
The school is awaiting further directions from the state education department and the DEO and hopes to resume regular classroom teaching by the end of June if no new instructions are issued.
At Udgam School for Children, the digital infrastructure developed during the Covid-19 pandemic remains in place, though the school is still assessing whether students and parents would be open to shifting online if required.
“We have already started preparations for electric school bus services. With concerns over diesel availability, the management is ready to introduce EV-based transportation. We are also encouraging parents and students to use carpooling and the Metro, which is conveniently located near the school,” said Executive Director Manan Choksi.
Schools Encourage Cycling and Carpooling
Tripada International School, which resumed offline classes on Thursday, is also promoting fuel-saving practices among students and staff.
“We are encouraging students to cycle to school wherever possible so that parents do not need to drive them. While some parents have raised concerns about road safety, many are considering the option,” said principal Kavita Pandya.
She added that teachers and other stakeholders are also being encouraged to use carpooling and public transport.
As more schools begin the new academic session in mid-June, institutions across the city are awaiting guidance from the DEO and the state education department on any further measures to be adopted.