The Delhi government has directed all government and private schools to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode amid worsening air quality in the national capital.
The order, issued by the Directorate of Education on Friday, allows students to attend classes either physically or online, wherever the facility is available. The choice of opting for online classes will rest with students and their parents or guardians.
The directive applies to government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education, as well as institutions run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Cantonment Board.
School heads have been asked to immediately inform parents and guardians about the new arrangement. Deputy Directors of Education across districts and zones have also been instructed to visit schools to ensure compliance.
The decision follows the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) invocation of Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday.
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 382 on Friday, close to the 'severe' threshold of 401.
The CAQM invoked Stage III restrictions in view of forecasts indicating that unfavourable weather conditions could further deteriorate air quality in the coming days.
The hybrid-class arrangement also extends to schools in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, which includes Noida. Other NCR districts may consider similar measures.
The restrictions come ahead of Diwali on Sunday, when firecracker emissions are expected to add to the pollution burden in the national capital and neighbouring areas.
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