The Delhi government has intensified anti-pollution measures by directing schools to switch to fully online classes for students up to Class V. This new directive comes as the city continues to reel under dangerously high levels of air pollution, which remains in the “severe” category.
Intensified Curbs After GRAP Stage 4 Invocation
The latest order represents a tightening of protocols implemented just a day earlier under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- Previous Arrangement (Hybrid Mode): On Saturday (December 13), the Delhi Directorate of Education (DDE) had instructed schools to adopt a hybrid format (a mix of physical and online classes) for students up to Class IX and Class XI. Under that arrangement, physical school remained open, and attendance in online classes was voluntary.
- New Directive (Fully Online): With the air quality deteriorating further on Monday, the government has directed schools to move students up to Class V entirely to the online mode, ensuring younger children are not exposed to the hazardous air.
These curbs are part of the broader effort to tackle the worsening air quality crisis across the National Capital Region (NCR).