With air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) worsening to hazardous levels, administrations across the region have taken emergency steps to protect students’ health. On Sunday, December 14, authorities in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar announced a shift to online and hybrid modes of teaching.
The decision follows the implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which came into effect immediately across Delhi-NCR.
Delhi NCR AQI: Why the Decision Was Taken?
Air quality levels across the region have remained in the severe to severe-plus category for several days. Thick smog, reduced visibility, and rising health complaints prompted the CAQM’s sub-committee to enforce the strictest pollution control measures.
Officials said limiting children’s exposure to outdoor air became necessary as breathing conditions continued to pose serious health risks.
Are Delhi Schools Closed Today, Monday, December 15?
Schools in Delhi are not completely closed, but classes will follow a hybrid format. According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) on December 13:
- Students up to Class IX and Class XI will attend classes in hybrid mode, combining online and offline learning wherever possible.
- The order applies to government, government-aided, and recognised private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board.
- The arrangement will remain in place until further notice.
What About Noida and Ghaziabad Schools?
The administrations of Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar issued similar instructions on Sunday. As per official orders:
- Classes up to Class V will be conducted online only in Noida and Greater Noida.
- Higher classes will follow a hybrid mode.
- Classes X and XII will continue with physical, in-person classes.
The same rules will apply across other areas of Gautam Buddha Nagar district.
AQI Remains Severe Across the Region
Air quality data from the SAMEER app showed alarming levels on Saturday. Rohini and Wazirpur recorded AQI readings of 500, while Shadipur reported the lowest AQI at 370 within Delhi.
Conditions remained grim on Sunday as well. By afternoon, AQI levels in many parts of Delhi were still above 400, firmly in the severe category. Noida recorded the worst AQI in the country at 455, followed by Greater Noida at 442, according to CPCB data.
Outdoor Sports Suspended Across Delhi-NCR
In another important move, CAQM has directed authorities to immediately suspend all outdoor sports and physical activities in schools and institutions across Delhi-NCR.
The Commission expressed concern that some schools were still holding outdoor activities despite earlier directions issued following a Supreme Court order on November 19. Authorities have been asked to strictly monitor compliance and take action against violations.
Officials stressed that these measures are temporary but necessary to safeguard children’s health as pollution levels remain dangerously high.
