On January 15, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) directed all schools to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11, following the implementation of stage four curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan. This decision was prompted by a sharp decline in air quality in the city.
The India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have predicted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) may soon breach the 400 mark, according to PTI. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed authorities in Delhi-NCR to “straightway invoke” all actions under stages 3 and 4 with immediate effect.
The Delhi Directorate of Education’s circular stated, “All heads of government, government-aided, unaided private schools under DoE, NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and 11, wherever online learning is feasible, effective immediately until further notice,” as reported by PTI.
For students of Classes 10 and 12, classes will continue to be held in schools. Stage 4 curbs include a ban on all construction activities and the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi.
This decision comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) rises, with forecasts suggesting pollution levels may soon exceed the critical 400 mark, necessitating immediate intervention.
Students, parents, and guardians are advised to stay in touch with school authorities for further updates.
(With inputs from PTI)
