Primary schools in Delhi shift to online classes as pollution chokes city

The decision to move primary classes online was made following the imposition of restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR.

In Short

• Stricter anti-pollution measures imposed in Delhi-NCR from today
• Chief Minister Atishi says primary classes to be held online till further directions
• Move comes as Delhi's air quality stayed severe for second consecutive day

With Delhi's air quality deteriorating to a severe category, the city government on Thursday announced that all classes for students up to Class V will be switched to online mode. "Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions," Delhi Chief Minister Atishi wrote on X.

Accordingly, the Directorate of Education issued an order on Thursday evening for closure of primary classes.

All the Heads of government, government-aided and unaided private recognised schools of Directorate of Education (DoE), MCD, NDMC and DCB in Delhi are directed to discontinue physical classes in schools for children up to Class V. Heads of Schools are hereby directed to ensure classes in online mode for the students of these classes till further orders," the order read.

The decision to move primary classes online was made following the imposition of restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. These measures include a ban on construction and demolition activities and limitations on the entry of certain vehicles into Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced an additional 20 trips on weekdays. This is in addition to the 40 extra trips already operational since the implementation of GRAP-II. Delhi Metro will now run a total of 60 extra trips during weekdays, aiming to accommodate more commuters and reduce congestion as the city chokes due to pollution. These additional services will remain in effect as long as GRAP-III guidelines are in place.

DELHI'S WORSENING POLLUTION

Delhi's air quality reached 'severe' levels this week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 432 at 6 am on Thursday. This marked Delhi's worst air quality reading of the season and the highest in the country.

As forecasts predicted worsening conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduced stricter anti-pollution measures on Thursday evening. The GRAP-III measures will take effect from Friday.

The Central Pollution Control Board defines an AQI reading of 0-50 as "good", and above 401 as "severe", which affects healthy people and "seriously impacts" those with existing diseases.

Delhi’s AQI levels touched 429 on Wednesday evening, and soared to 452 at 11 pm. The AQI stood at 432 at 6 am on Thursday morning.

With deteriorating air quality, Delhi residents have been waking up to hazy mornings with reduced visibility due to heavy fog.

Medical professionals have repeatedly warned that long-term exposure to "very poor" air quality can lead to respiratory issues, while severe AQI levels can affect even healthy individuals and pose serious risks for those with existing health conditions.