New Delhi: The Delhi government has directed schools to conduct classes for students up to Class IX and XI in hybrid mode amid persistently severe air pollution in the national capital.
The Directorate of Education (DoE), in an order issued on Saturday, said the decision follows the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) move to enforce Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. These measures have been implemented with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
According to the circular dated December 13, the directive applies to all government, government-aided and recognised private schools under the DoE, as well as institutions governed by the NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board. Schools have been asked to offer a combination of physical and online classes wherever feasible until further instructions are issued. The order currently covers students up to Class IX and XI.
The move comes after Delhi recorded its highest pollution levels of the year on Saturday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 431, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. This exceeded the previous high of 428 recorded on November 11. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that pollution levels are likely to remain severe in the coming days.
In a separate order, the government has also directed administrative departments to limit physical attendance to 50 per cent of staff strength, while ensuring continuity of essential services.
