The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) on Saturday directed all schools to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11, following the implementation of the fourth phase curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan. “As per the regulation (CAQM regulation GRAP-IV), all principals of government schools, government aided and non-recognized private schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to class IX and XI in ‘hybrid’ mode i.e. both physical and online mode till it can be circulated with immediate effect (anywhere else online).
For 10th and 12th grade students, classes will continue to take place in schools. The curbs of Stage 4 include a ban on all construction activities and the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi.
The decision comes at a time when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region has worsened, crossing the 400 mark in several areas.
According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in the national capital was recorded at 478 around 7 pm today.
Among cities in the Delhi-NCR region, Delhi recorded the third worst air quality with an AQI of 448, behind Noida at 455 and Greater Noida at 442, highlighting the severity of pollution across the region.
The Delhi government has also ordered all government and private offices in the city to shift at least 50% of their employees to work from home. A similar directive was issued on November 24 following the implementation of GRAP-3 measures, but was later withdrawn after the restrictions were lifted later that month.
CAQM attributed the deterioration in air quality to a weak western disturbance approaching northwest India, saying it was the primary cause rather than local emission sources.
“These prevailing meteorological conditions have (resulted in) a significant reduction in wind speed, occasionally becoming calmer, a shift in wind direction from westerly to easterly, and an increase in the moisture content of the lower atmosphere. Such conditions in winter contribute to the formation of smog and fog, resulting in poor dispersion and capture of pollutants near the surface. A sudden deterioration in air quality has been observed as a result of these adverse meteorological conditions.
