As Delhi continues to face high air pollution levels, the government has directed schools to shift from a hybrid system to fully online classes for students up to Class V. The order comes a day after authorities imposed strict anti-pollution measures under Stage 4 of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the worsening air quality. This implies that the schools will remain closed for students up to class five until further notice.
Earlier, on December 13, the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education (DoE) had issued a circular directing all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools under DOE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board to conduct classes in a hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI, combining physical and online lessons wherever feasible. The circular was issued in compliance with the CAQM order under GRAP-IV, effective immediately until further notice. However, the order also stated that option to exercise the online mode of education, wherever available, shall vest with the students and their guardians.
The DoE circular stated: “In compliance to the order (CAQM order of GRAP-IV), all Heads of Schools of Government, Government Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX and XI in a “Hybrid” Mode i.e. both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders.”
GRAP 4 in effect
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked Stage IV of the GRAP in Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index (AQI) neared the ‘Severe plus’ mark of 450. According to the order released by CAQM, the AQI of Delhi, which was recorded at 431 at 4 pm, showed an increasing trend and rose to 446 at 6 pm due to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather parameters and meteorological conditions and lack of pollutant dispersion.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday said that it will pass effective orders that are enforceable in matters relating to worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi stated it will hear the matter of the air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR on December 17.
