Haryana Closes Schools for Classes Up to Fifth Grade Amid Rising Pollution

In response to rising pollution levels, the Haryana Directorate of Education has mandated the closure of physical classes for students up to the fifth grade in the Delhi NCR region. This decision comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches alarming levels, prompting a shift to online learning. The Directorate has communicated this directive to all district Deputy Commissioners, who are tasked with assessing local conditions. As cities like Jind report severe AQI readings, the health and safety of students remain a top priority. Read on to learn more about the implications of this decision and the measures being taken to ensure continued education.

By Ambika Singh Nov 14, 2025, 16:09 IST

Haryana Education Directorate's Decision

Panchkula (School Closures in Haryana): Due to escalating pollution levels, the Directorate of Education in Haryana has mandated the suspension of in-person classes for students up to the fifth grade in the Delhi NCR area. A formal communication has been sent to the Deputy Commissioners across all districts, highlighting the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in the region. Consequently, only online classes will be permitted for these younger students, applicable to both government and private educational institutions.

Concerns Over Air Quality

The letter from the Directorate emphasizes the serious pollution issues affecting the Delhi NCR region of Haryana. To ensure the continuity of education for children in this age group, online or hybrid learning methods are recommended. Students will be required to attend classes from home for the upcoming days. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioners are instructed to consider both urban and rural contexts when making decisions about school closures. Any decisions made regarding school operations must be communicated to the Academic Haryana.

Severe Pollution Levels Recorded

Delhi Pollution: AQI Levels Alarmingly High!

In response to the critical air quality situation in Delhi and its surrounding areas, the Haryana Directorate of Education has ordered the closure of schools for students up to Class 5. This decision is particularly pertinent given the deteriorating air quality in Haryana districts adjacent to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), where pollution levels have reached hazardous levels. Factors such as increased humidity, stubble burning, and vehicle emissions have contributed to the AQI entering the severe category, making outdoor air quality hazardous. For instance, Jind has reported an AQI of 418.

Authority Given to District Deputy Commissioners

Haryana Schools: Communication to All District DCs.
District Commissioners (DCs) are empowered to make significant decisions regarding school operations.
The third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in effect in Delhi and NCR districts, which necessitates the closure of physical classes for students up to Class 5. The Haryana Directorate of Education has instructed all district DCs to evaluate AQI levels and the severity of cold weather in their respective areas. The Directorate has granted District Deputy Commissioners the authority to determine whether classes for this age group should be conducted online or remain closed, based on local conditions.