With Delhi grappling under hazardous pollution levels for the fifth consecutive day, the city government has suspended physical classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11 until further notice. However, in-person sessions for Classes 10 and 12 will continue.
The announcement came on Sunday, hours after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR. The measures, which include stringent curbs on vehicles, will take effect from 8 am on Monday.
A circular from the Directorate of Education (DoE) directed schools to comply with the suspension.
It stated, “All the Heads of government, government-aided, and unaided private recognised schools of DoE, MCD, NDMC, and DCB in Delhi are hereby directed to ensure that the physical classes for all students up to Class 9 and Class 11 are discontinued from November 18 until further orders.”
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi confirmed the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tomorrow, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.”
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels of 441 by 4 pm on Sunday and worsened further to 457 by 7 pm.
Weather conditions have exacerbated the pollution crisis.
In addition to the school directive, the government has restricted vehicle movement in the capital. Trucks, except those carrying essential items or using clean fuels like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel, will not be permitted entry into the city.
Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be banned unless they are electric or CNG-compliant. Furthermore, Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are prohibited, except for essential services.
These emergency measures are part of efforts to mitigate the health impacts of prolonged exposure to toxic air, which has become an annual concern during winter.
Follow us
