As Delhi-NCR air quality dips, hybrid classes made mandatory for students up to Class 5

Schools in Delhi and 5 major National Capital Region (NCR) districts will conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode until further orders as air pollution levels continue to remain high. The directive follows the implementation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which brings additional restrictions across the region.

Delhi Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision in a video message, making hybrid classes mandatory for students up to Class 5 in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat.

“All schools up to the fifth grade are required to operate in a hybrid mode; this is mandatory. These restrictions also apply to the NCR cities of Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat," Sirsa said.

Under the arrangement, students can attend classes either in person or online, depending on the facilities available at their schools. The decision to opt for online learning will rest with parents, guardians and students.

GRAP Stage III restrictions come into force

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of GRAP on Friday, November 6, as Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category. The city's overall AQI stood at 382, according to a Hindustan Times report.

Sirsa urged residents to cooperate with the restrictions and warned that changing weather conditions could worsen the situation. Wind speeds were expected to decrease from Saturday, raising the possibility of pollutants remaining trapped closer to the ground.

Which vehicles will be restricted under GRAP-III?

The restrictions also cover older vehicles in Delhi and specified NCR districts.

Petrol vehicles complying with BS-III emission standards or below and diesel vehicles meeting BS-IV standards or below will not be allowed to operate in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Additionally, BS-IV and older diesel medium goods vehicles will face restrictions in Delhi. Older diesel medium and light goods vehicles registered outside the Capital will also be barred from entering the city.

Vehicles adapted for the personal use of persons with disabilities have been exempted.

These restrictions will remain in place as long as the corresponding GRAP measures continue. Schools, parents and residents have been advised to follow further updates from the CAQM and local authorities.