By Savikalpa Thapa
The Delhi government has instructed schools to shift to a hybrid learning model for students up to Class 5, as the city’s air quality deteriorated into the “severe” category. The directive was issued on Tuesday after the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III was invoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in response to rapidly worsening pollution levels in the National Capital Region.
According to official figures cited by multiple news outlets, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) jumped from about 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, a rise attributed to calm winds and trapped pollutants near the surface.Under GRAP Stage III, restrictions now include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, curbs on older petrol and diesel vehicles and intensive dust-control operations.
The order from the Directorate of Education, Delhi calls upon all heads of schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board covering government, aided and recognised private schools to begin hybrid classes immediately for children up to Class 5, combining online and in-person teaching wherever online facilities exist. Parents have been offered the option of sending children online until further notice.
Education officials say the step is aimed at reducing exposure for young children, who are especially vulnerable to health issues when the air turns toxic. Several schools have already canceled outdoor assemblies and shifted to indoor activities in response to the advisory.
City-wide measures have been escalated, road sweepers and anti-smog guns are being deployed, vehicle checks intensified and industries using polluting fuels asked to halt operations. Authorities emphasise that if air quality fails to improve, Stage IV (“Severe Plus”) curbs may be imposed, which could include comprehensive work-from-home for offices and stricter transport bans.
Parents expressed relief that steps are being taken but stressed they want faster action. “We are glad the schools are switching to hybrid mode, but we also need to see actual improvement in air quality, not just another directive,” said one parent whose child studies in a Delhi school.
In the meantime, health advisers continue to warn residents to minimise outdoor activities, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. With winter weather setting in and conditions likely to trap pollutants longer, the capital’s efforts to control its annual smog cycle have kicked into high gear.