NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Monday directed schools to shift students from hybrid to fully online mode amid rising air pollution in the capital.According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), physical classes for students from Nursery to Class V in all government, government-aided and unaided private recognized schools in Delhi have been suspended until further notice due to prevailing high air quality index (AQI).
The order applies to all government, government-aided and private recognized schools in Delhi. School leaders have been instructed to ensure online classes are available for younger students and to inform parents and guardians immediately.The circular clarified that classes for Class VI and above will continue without any changes and will be conducted as per the earlier instructions dated December 13. District and zone education officials have also been asked to ensure smooth implementation of the instructions.Delhi continued to be shrouded in dense smog and the AQI reached 498, close to the high of 500. The city’s air quality monitoring stations recorded “severe” readings at 38 locations and “very poor” at two stations, with Jahangirpuri recording the worst AQI of 498.Several residents complained of shortness of breath, poor visibility and health risks. Pollution levels have steadily worsened over the past two days, causing particular concern for children and other vulnerable groups.The situation had worsened since Sunday when the AQI rose to 461, marking Delhi’s highest air pollution day this winter and the second-worst air quality day in December ever. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” 51 to 100 is considered “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 is “moderate,” 201 to 300 is “poor,” 301 to 400 is “very poor,” and 401 to 500 is “severe.”The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the “severe” category, with forecasts for the next six days indicating “very poor” conditions.Current pollution levels pose a serious health risk to the city’s population, which is why authorities are advising people to take necessary precautions. The situation remains particularly worrying as the capital region typically experiences increased levels of pollution during the winter season.
