Schools reopen in Delhi as pollution situation improves

All government-aided and privately recognised schools in Delhi are set to resume physical classes for all students, from pre-school to standard XII, starting on November 20, as per an order from the Directorate of Education, government of Delhi.

However, outdoor sports activities and morning assemblies will not be conducted for the next week after the issuance of this directive. The decision is based on the improving Air Quality Index (AQI) and the forecast from IMD/IITM, indicating no significant deterioration in Delhi’s AQI in the near future, as mentioned in the circular by the Directorate of Education.

Classes for all students from pre-school to standard 12 will resume from November 20 onwards, the circular said. The Centre’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR categorises actions to control pollution into four stages: Stage I — Poor (AQI 201-300), Stage II — Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Stage III — Severe (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV — Severe Plus (AQI above 450).

The Directorate of Education has instructed schools to provide advance notice to parents regarding the reopening of classes. The closure of schools in Delhi and a winter break were announced on November 8 due to rising pollution in the city and growing health concerns.