Students attending hybrid classes in Delhi as air pollution reaches severe levels, prompting GRAP Stage III measures (Photo: Pinterest)
Excessive pollution in Delhi's atmosphere has prompted the administration to enforce fresh safety measures for school going children. Students up to Class 5 will attend classes in a hybrid format, combining both physical and online learning, from November 11, as per an announcement by the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
This comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Issued by Director of Education Veditha Reddy, IAS, the order applies to all government, government-aided and private recognised schools under DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board.
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According to circular No. DE.23(28)/Sch.Br./2025/1004, the schools have been directed to switch over to hybrid classes without delay for students up to Class V, wherever online facilities are feasible. The heads of schools have been asked to communicate the changes immediately to the parents OR guardians.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has confirmed that Stage III measures under GRAP have kicked in and has also assured the safety of schoolgoing children. She had expressed that hybrid learning was one precautionary step to protect the students from hazardous air conditions while ensuring continuity of education.
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This shift comes after Delhi's Air Quality Index, or AQI, jumped from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, placing the city firmly in the severe category. Stagnant winds and stable atmospheric conditions contributed to the quick gathering of pollutants near the ground deteriorating air quality, CAQM explained.
Under Stage III measures, the authorities have banned non-essential construction, stopped operations of stone crushers and mining units and restricted the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, except for those for persons with disabilities.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's AQI stood at 423 on Tuesday, the worst this season. Delhi also saw a further dip in temperature with Aya Nagar recording 9.9°C, indicating the beginning of the Capital's first cold wave this season.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only; readers should follow official Delhi Government and CAQM updates for air quality guidance.
