Delhi Air Pollution: DU, JNU, Jamia shift to online classes; Delhi, Gurugram schools suspend physical sessions

NEW DELHI: Due to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), several educational institutions, including Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), have shifted to online classes. All schools across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh NCR have been asked to transition to online classes 10 and 12.

In response to the air pollution, the Delhi government has declared the worsening air quality a "medical emergency" and urged institutions to adopt preventive measures to safeguard public health.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 4) measure. The GRAP is a detailed plan that specifies actions to be taken based on varying levels of air pollution, from moderate to severe.

DU, JNU switch to online classes

Delhi University will shift to online classes until November 23, while Jawaharlal Nehru University will do so until November 22, due to worsening air quality. Jamia Millia Islamia has also decided to conduct online classes until November 23 in response to the pollution in Delhi and the NCR.

“In the larger interest of students of the University, it has been decided that the classes shall be conducted in Online Mode till Saturday the 23rd November, 2024. Regular classes in physical mode shall resume from Monday, the 25th November 2024,” Jamia said in an official order.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh College has also announced the immediate shift to online classes due to poor air quality in Delhi. The college confirmed that classes will follow the existing timetable, and attendance will be recorded via the Saksham ERP portal.

Delhi, Haryana schools suspend classes

In response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and surrounding regions, schools in Delhi, Haryana and UP NCR region have been forced to suspend physical classes and shift to online mode.

The Haryana government has temporarily closed schools up to Class 5 due to rising pollution levels in Delhi and the NCR. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that physical classes for all students, except those in Classes 10 and 12, will remain suspended.

As per the PTI report, Schools in eight western Uttar Pradesh districts of the NCR have shifted to online classes due to air pollution. Affected districts include Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli.

"All the schools in these districts have been directed by their administrations to switch to the online medium for classes because of the air pollution levels till further orders," Divisional Commissioner (Meerut) Selva Kumari J told PTI. "The suspension of physical classes can be extended depending on the weather conditions," the officer said.

GSTA urges work-from-home for teachers

The Government School Teachers' Association (GSTA) has requested the Delhi Chief Minister to implement work-from-home for teachers due to the hazardous air quality.

"Despite these extreme conditions, schools continue to operate physical classes for students of grades 10 and 12. However, the turnout for these classes has been alarmingly low, as parents are understandably reluctant to risk their children's health", the official notice read.