Delhi schools ordered to follow hybrid learning as air quality worsens

New Delhi: The Delhi government’s Directorate of Education on Saturday directed all schools in the national capital to conduct classes up to Class IX and Class XI in hybrid mode after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing the ‘Severe Plus’ threshold of 450.

The directive was issued in compliance with restrictions imposed under GRAP Stage IV, which came into force as air pollution levels worsened across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

“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 Xl in a 'Hybrid' Mode i.e. both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders,” the circular stated.

The Directorate of Education clarified that the option to attend classes online, wherever available, will rest with students and their parents or guardians. School heads have been instructed to immediately inform parents and guardians about the revised arrangements.

“All DDE (Zone/ Districts) are also requested to visit schools under their jurisdiction to ensure smooth compliance with the above directions,” the circular added.

The decision follows CAQM’s move to invoke Stage IV of GRAP after Delhi’s AQI showed a sharp upward trend. According to CAQM, the AQI stood at 431 at 4 pm on Saturday and rose to 446 by 6 pm due to slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather conditions and poor dispersion of pollutants.

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II, & III of extant GRAP already in force in NCR,” the order said. These measures are in addition to restrictions already in place under Stages I, II and III of GRAP.

Under GRAP Stage IV restrictions, the entry of BS-IV diesel trucks into Delhi has been prohibited, except for vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks are allowed to enter the city.

The CAQM has also directed the enforcement of a ban on the movement of Delhi-registered diesel-operated BS-IV and below heavy goods vehicles, except those involved in essential services. In addition, construction and demolition activities have been banned, including linear public infrastructure projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecommunications work.

The air quality regulator further advised children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic illnesses to avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors as much as possible. Those who must step outside have been advised to wear protective masks.

ANI