Haryana schools closed up to Class 5 in view of rising air pollution

NEW DELHI: Haryana government has allowed temporary closure of schools up to Class 5 in view of rising pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The Directorate of School Education has written to the district deputy commissioners to switch to online classes, if required.

“On the subject cited above, I have been directed to inform you that the Government has decided that the concerned Deputy Commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation (as per the GRAP) in view of the severe AQI levels in Delhi and surrounding regions and may discontinue physical classes and issue necessary directions for holding online classes for upto Class 5th in the schools (Govt. and Private) in the interest of the health and safety of the students,” said the assistant director for general elementary education in a letter to the commissioners.

The directorate asked the district officials to carry out the assessment of rural and urban areas of the districts separately. Districts have been asked to inform the government about their decision regarding the closure of schools.

Schools in Delhi have mandated face masks for students and restricted outdoor activities in wake of severe air quality. Recently, the government announced online classes for schools up to Class 5.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP 3 measures as the national capital recorded the worst pollution levels in the country, with the air quality remaining in the "severe" category for days.