The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) issued instructions on Wednesday for all schools to adopt a hybrid mode of teaching for students up to Class 9 and Class 11. This decision follows the enforcement of stage four restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to a significant decline in air quality in the national capital.
A combination of calm winds, low temperatures, and foggy weather led to a build-up of pollutants in the area. The air quality index (AQI) surged from 275 on Tuesday to 396 by 6 pm on Wednesday.
The directive is applicable to all government and private schools affiliated with various boards in Delhi. According to the order, “All Heads of Schools of Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognised Private Schools under DOE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board are instructed to conduct classes for students up to Class IX and XI in a ‘Hybrid Mode,’ combining physical and online sessions.”
The GRAP framework categorises AQI into four different levels. Stage 1 is Poor (AQI 201-300), Stage 2 is Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Stage 3 is Severe (AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 is Severe Plus (AQI above 450). The Stage 4 restrictions prohibit construction activities and restrict the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi.
In November, schools across Delhi-NCR had transitioned to fully online classes due to worsening air pollution levels. However, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) later mandated schools to provide a hybrid mode of learning, considering exclusive online classes impractical.
