Schools in Delhi and five neighbouring NCR cities have been directed to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode as air pollution levels deteriorate ahead of Diwali. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision on Friday, making a combination of online and offline classes compulsory for students in the affected areas.The directive covers schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram and Sonipat. The move comes after Delhi invoked Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the severe category.The government has asked schools to provide flexibility in their teaching arrangements in view of the worsening air quality. However, the hybrid arrangement is mandatory and individual schools cannot decide whether or not to implement it.
Delhi-NCR schools directed to conduct hybrid classes up to Class 5
According to the announcement, all schools in Delhi-NCR offering education up to Class 5 must shift to a hybrid learning arrangement. Students will have the option of attending classes physically or joining lessons online, depending on the arrangements made by their schools.The order applies to both government and private schools across the covered areas. Institutions have been directed to comply with the government’s instructions for as long as GRAP Stage III restrictions remain in force.Sirsa clarified that the decision is part of the administration’s precautionary response to the deteriorating pollution situation. The government has not left the implementation of hybrid classes to the discretion of school managements.
Weather conditions may worsen air quality further
Explaining the reasons behind the decision, the environment minister cautioned residents about the possibility of further deterioration in air quality. He said weather conditions were expected to become unfavourable, with wind speeds likely to fall to nearly zero.According to the minister, the India Meteorological Department’s assessment indicates that weaker winds could prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing them to accumulate in the atmosphere. Such stagnant conditions could push AQI levels higher across the national capital and neighbouring NCR areas.The timing has also raised concerns, as Delhi has already recorded severe pollution levels ahead of Diwali. The possibility of further deterioration during the festive period has prompted authorities to step up precautionary measures.
Hybrid learning order currently limited to primary classes
The government directive currently covers students studying up to Class 5. No corresponding instructions have been announced for students in Classes 6 to 12.Schools catering to higher classes have not been directed to adopt the same hybrid arrangement under the announcement. Any extension of the restrictions to additional grades would depend on further government directions.Parents and students should therefore check official school communications for the applicable attendance and online learning arrangements.
No school closure order issued in Delhi-NCR
Despite the deterioration in air quality and the implementation of GRAP Stage III, the government has not announced a blanket closure of schools across Delhi-NCR.The current direction requires schools to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode rather than suspend academic activities altogether. The arrangement will remain applicable while Stage III restrictions are in force.Students and parents should follow updates issued by the respective state governments and school administrations, as any further changes to attendance requirements or school operations will depend on subsequent official orders.
