Delhi schools told to shift to hybrid classes up to Class 5 as pollution levels worsen
PTC Web Desk: The Delhi Government on Tuesday instructed all schools to switch to a hybrid mode of teaching for students up to Class 5 amid a sharp rise in pollution levels across the national capital.
The decision followed the Centre’s implementation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency anti-pollution measures triggered when air quality deteriorates to the “severe” category.
According to an order issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), all heads of government, government-aided, unaided private, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board schools have been asked to conduct classes in both physical and online modes, wherever feasible. The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
Officials said the move aims to protect young children, who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of toxic air.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed steeply from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, primarily due to calm winds and stagnant atmospheric conditions that prevented pollutants from dispersing.
Authorities are also expected to monitor the situation closely and consider additional restrictions if the pollution levels persist.
- With inputs from agencies
