Delhi Air Pollution: All classes of Delhi schools, DU colleges go online

NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi government has ordered the suspension of all physical classes in schools across the city due to the alarming deterioration in air quality. The order applies to all government, government-aided, and unaided private recognized schools under the DoE, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB).

Citing severe air pollution and hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, the DoE announced that all schools must shift to online classes for all grades, including Classes 10 and 12, until further notice.

Delhi School Closure: Physical classes for Class 10, 12 suspended

Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh announced on X that physical classes for Classes 10 and 12 will also be suspended starting tomorrow. CM Atishi's X post read, “From tmrw physical classes shall be suspended for Class 10 and 12 as well, and all studies will be shifted online”

Earlier, due to air pollution, Atishi announced that physical classes would be suspended for students up to Class 9. However, students of Classes 10 and 12 were still required to attend in person. Now, all schools across all classes will conduct classes online until further notice.

Delhi University shifts classes online amid worsening air quality

In response to the alarming rise in the AQI across Delhi and the NCR, the University of Delhi (DU) has also announced a temporary shift to online classes for its colleges and departments. The decision aims to safeguard the health and well-being of students amid severe pollution levels.

According to an official notice issued by the university, online classes will be conducted from November 18, 2024, to Saturday, November 23, 2024. Regular physical classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, November 25, 2024, provided there is no further deterioration in air quality.

The notice also clarified that the schedules for examinations and interviews will remain unchanged, and these activities will proceed as planned in their scheduled modes.

Delhi Pollution: Restrictions under GRAP 4

The following restrictions have been implemented under Delhi GRAP 4

• NCR offices are advised to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest working remotely.
• Delhi schools suspended physical classes.
• Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below) are banned, except those carrying essential goods.
• Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless powered by CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric.
• Trucks carrying non-essential items are barred from entering Delhi unless they use LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.