New Delhi: Amid worsening air pollution in the capital, the Delhi government on Monday directed schools to shift students from nursery to Class V to a fully online mode. The decision comes as air quality continues to remain in the severe category.
According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), physical classes for students up to Class V in all government, government-aided and recognised private schools in Delhi have been suspended until further orders due to the prevailing high Air Quality Index (AQI). School heads have been asked to ensure the availability of online classes and to immediately inform parents and guardians.
The order applies across all categories of schools in the capital. Classes for students from Class VI onwards will continue as per earlier instructions issued on December 13, following a hybrid or offline format, the circular clarified. District and zonal education officials have been directed to monitor and ensure smooth implementation of the decision.
Delhi remained enveloped in dense smog, with the AQI touching 498, close to the maximum level of 500. Of the city’s air quality monitoring stations, 38 recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels and two were in the ‘very poor’ category, with Jahangirpuri reporting the worst AQI at 498. Residents across the city complained of breathlessness, poor visibility and heightened health risks.
Pollution levels have worsened steadily over the past two days, triggering concern for children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups. On Sunday, the AQI had risen to 461, marking Delhi’s most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality recorded so far.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the ‘severe’ category and poses serious health risks. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ range over the next six days.
With winter conditions typically exacerbating pollution levels, authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions as the situation continues to remain a major public health concern.
