Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Schools May Shift to Online Classes
Severe Air Pollution in Delhi
New Delhi: The air pollution levels in Delhi and its surrounding areas remain critically high, causing residents to experience breathing difficulties and increased eye irritation. In response to this health emergency, the Delhi government has permitted 50% of its employees to work from home to mitigate the risks associated with the polluted air. This decision has raised concerns among parents and the public regarding whether schools will also close or if classes will transition to an online format.
Current School Operations
Currently, schools for children up to the fifth grade are operating in a hybrid mode. However, following the implementation of GRAP-3, a decision regarding the operation of schools for older students may be made soon.
Advice on Schools Post-GRAP-3
Classes for younger children in Delhi are already being conducted online from home. Parents are understandably worried about sending their children to school amid the pollution. While schools in the Delhi-NCR region have not been completely shut down, the guidelines under GRAP-3 recommend continuing operations in a hybrid mode. This recommendation also led to the decision to allow work from home.
Other States with School Closures
In light of the pollution situation, some states have already decided to close schools or declare holidays. Although there has been no official announcement regarding school closures in Delhi-NCR, discussions are ongoing about the possibility of online classes and winter breaks as pollution levels rise.
Potential Decisions Ahead
Considering the recommendations from the CAQM regarding work from home, there is ongoing contemplation about shifting schools to an online mode. However, no official statement has been made yet. It is anticipated that, given the pollution levels, an announcement regarding winter breaks for schools may be forthcoming in the coming days to ensure the safety of children and staff.
Duration of Pollution Challenges
The air pollution issue in Delhi-NCR is not expected to improve soon. Experts suggest that, as in previous years, air quality may remain poor until January or February. Residents may face the challenge of breathing polluted air for the next couple of months.
Current Air Quality Status in Delhi
On Tuesday, the air quality in the capital was categorized as very poor, with the AQI reaching 363, and several monitoring stations recording levels above 400. Areas such as Rohini reported an AQI of 416, Anand Vihar 401, and both Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur recorded 400 AQI. The situation remains critical across most parts of the city, posing health risks to the population.