The Delhi NCR region is currently grappling with severe pollution levels and extreme cold weather, prompting the authorities to implement significant measures aimed at mitigating these challenges.

Under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), stricter measures have been introduced to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar will shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class V during Stage III, allowing parents and students to opt for online learning where available.

In view of the cold weather, the district administration has extended the school timing on Monday, according to officials. The new school timing will be 9 a.m. until further notice, as per the official order.

The new timings will be effective from December 17. Following the order, several schools have sent notices about this change to students’ registered phone numbers.

Private schools have also adjusted bus timings. Dense fog has begun to affect the NCR region early in the morning. Gautam Buddh Nagar includes areas such as Noida, Jewar, Dadri, Greater Noida, YEIDA, and Dankaur.

Following the order, Delhi Public School (DPS) also issued an official circular for students.
“Dear parents, as per the directives received from district administration, GB Nagar, the school timings have been revised in view of extreme cold weather conditions,” said the circular.

According to the DPS, school timings for students from Pre-Nursery to Class 2 will be from 10 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. For students in Classes 3 to 12, the timings have been set from 9 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Bus services will also be delayed by one hour, said DPS.

Also Read: NCERT Slashes Textbook Prices By 20% For Classes 9-12, Effective Next Academic Year

Following CAQM order over GRAP 3, schools will conduct classes on hybrid mode.

“All Heads of Schools of 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 V in a ‘Hybrid Mode’, both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders.” said Veditha Reddy, director (Education).