Delhi govt orders hybrid classes for students up to class 5 as pollution levels spike

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Tuesday directed all schools in the national capital to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode amid worsening air quality.

The decision followed the Centre’s move to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which mandates stricter anti-pollution measures when air quality reaches the ‘severe’ category.

In an order issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), the government said, “All heads of schools of government, government-aided, unaided recognised 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 i.e., both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders.”

The directive aims to reduce students’ exposure to toxic air, which has reached hazardous levels across the city.

Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, pushed into the ‘severe’ category by calm winds, stagnant air and unfavourable weather conditions that trapped pollutants near the surface.

Under GRAP Stage III, authorities are required to enforce additional restrictions such as halting construction activities (except for essential projects), banning diesel generator use, and intensifying public transport services to curb vehicular emissions.

Officials said the hybrid learning model would remain in place until air quality shows significant improvement.

Public protests had erupted in the national capital on Sunday as hundreds of residents gathered near India Gate, demanding urgent government action on the city’s worsening air quality.

PTI