In response to the reimposition of anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4, Delhi-NCR schools will adopt a hybrid mode of classes, combining online and offline learning. The new system, which will apply to students in Classes VI to IX and XI, comes after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded the 400 mark on Monday night.
The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration in Uttar Pradesh also issued an order mandating that all schools in the district start classes at 9 am from Tuesday due to cold weather conditions.
With GRAP-4 restrictions in place, hybrid learning will be mandatory for students in districts like Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, where online learning is feasible. The decision to opt for online learning will be left to students and their families. Other districts in NCR are encouraged to implement hybrid classes where possible under the GRAP-4 curbs.
The GRAP-4 measures come as the AQI in Delhi reached hazardous levels, with readings of 399 at 9 pm and 401 at 10 pm on Monday. Additionally, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has directed schools in the district to switch to a hybrid mode for students up to Class 5 due to the GRAP-3 restrictions.
The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) also instructed schools to hold hybrid classes for students up to Class V, where online learning is possible, until further notice.
As part of GRAP-3 restrictions, petrol vehicles that don’t meet BS-III norms and diesel vehicles that don’t comply with BS-IV standards are banned from entering Delhi. Previously, all Delhi schools transitioned to hybrid learning on November 25, with physical classes resuming on December 5.
In addition to these measures, government offices in Delhi-NCR are required to operate with adjusted timings. State offices will be open from 10 am to 5 pm, while Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway authorities will maintain hours from 9 am to 6 pm. Public and private offices in NCR will function at 50% capacity, with remaining employees working from home. The Central Government is also being advised to consider work-from-home options for its employees.
The surge in Delhi’s AQI, caused by unfavorable meteorological conditions and calm winds, prompted an emergency meeting of the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP on Monday.
