Delhi Air Pollution: Schools to run in hybrid mode as Centre invokes GRAP 3 curbs

As Centre invokes anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 in Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to “severe” category, the government has asked schools to shift to hybrid mode for classes up to 5th. Parents and students will have the option to choose online classes wherever possible.

The decision has been taken after Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) increased from 362 on November 10 to 425 this morning. The spike in AQI is due to calm winds, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable weather conditions that allowed pollutants to accumulate close to the surface, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was quoted as saying.

Several students and parents organised protests in different parts of the national capital over the effects of rising air pollution. Student groups including the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) gathered outside the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s residence, demanding action and accountability from the government. Placards held by agitating students read, “I miss breathing”.

Protests at India Gate for 'clean air'

Meanwhile, parents along with environmental activists staged a protest at the India Gate on Sunday against Delhi becoming a “gas chamber”, seeking urgent action to ensure clean air. Police detained hundreds of protesters including All India Students’ Association (AISA), Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union ( JNUSU ), and Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) activists for assembling at the historical place without permission.

"We want to meet our elected officials. We had sought an appointment with the chief minister but were refused. So many parents are here because their children are suffering," environmentalist Bhavreen Khandari said.

Another protester, Abhishek, said the government had failed to provide even the basic right, to breathe clean air. "During (former chief minister) Sheila Dikshit's term, Delhi was known as a green capital. Today, it ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. Politicians keep blaming each other instead of taking responsibility," he said.

With inputs from PTI