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According to the guidelines, all grades up to Class 12 will remain closed until November 23. Some higher educational institutions have also suspended classes
The Haryana government has also authorised the deputy commissioners to discontinue physical classes in government and private schools considering the air pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) has deteriorated in several cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Meerut to such an extent that authorities in these cities have announced school closures and shifted classes online. According to the guidelines, all grades up to Class 12 will remain closed until November 23. The decision on reopening the schools will depend on pollution and weather conditions next week.
Higher educational institutions, including Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, have also suspended classes effective November 19.
Schools in Noida and Ghaziabad Switch to Online Mode
As per District Magistrate Manish Verma’s instructions, considering the severe pollution levels, all schools from Class 1 to Class 12 in Noida will operate exclusively in online mode. This order will remain effective until further notice.
“All schools of the District Gautam Buddh Nagar are directed to adhere to action enlisted under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan. Accordingly, it is directed that all schools shall discontinue physical classes from Pre-School to Class 12 till November 23 and conduct classes in online mode only,” Verma said in an order.
Similarly, Ghaziabad District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh has ordered online classes for students up to Class 12, citing the severe pollution levels and the implementation of GRAP Stage 4.
“All schools from Class 1 to Class 12 in Ghaziabad will remain closed for offline classes and will operate exclusively in online mode until further notice,” Singh said, according to an official statement.
Singh emphasized public safety amid rising pollution levels and said the order will remain in effect until further instructions are provided.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive plan that outlines specific actions to be taken at different levels of air pollution, ranging from moderate to severe. These actions include measures like banning certain industrial activities, road rationing and traffic diversions for heavy vehicles and controlling construction dust.
The GRAP is invoked by the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
Schools Shut in Gurugram and Faridabad
The toxic air quality has also affected Haryana, prompting authorities to order school closures in Gurugram and Faridabad. Classes up to Class 12 will remain suspended until further notice, with online education implemented to safeguard students’ health.
The Haryana government on Monday also authorised the deputy commissioners to discontinue physical classes in government and private schools considering the air pollution. The permission was granted in a letter issued by the directorate of school education.
“I have been directed to inform you that the government has decided that the concerned deputy commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation considering the severe AQI (air quality index) levels (as per the GRAP IV) and the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in MC Mehta case regarding Delhi and surrounding regions,” the letter read.
The deputy commissioners may discontinue physical classes for students up to Class 12 in government and private schools and issue directions for online classes, it said.
“The assessment must account for AQI levels in rural and urban areas of the respective districts till the air quality improves,” it added.
On Saturday, the Haryana government had authorised the DCs to temporarily shut physical classes up to class 5 in schools.
On Monday, the Supreme Court emphasised that both the central and state governments must take immediate action to close schools and adjust working hours to provide relief to citizens.
These measures will remain in effect even if the AQI level falls below 450. The court further highlighted the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure a pollution-free environment for citizens.
