The district administrations of Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) and Gurugram announced late Monday that all schools up to Class 12 would shift to online classes due to deteriorating air quality in the region. Physical classes have been suspended, with virtual learning set to continue until conditions improve.
This decision follows the implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes these two districts in western Uttar Pradesh. The move comes in response to the alarming levels of air pollution in the area.
Noida schools shift online
“In view of this, all schools of the District Gautam Buddh Nagar are directed to adhere to action enlisted under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan. Accordingly, it is directed that all schools shall discontinue physical classes from Pre-School to Class 12 till November 23 and conduct classes in online mode only,” District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said in an order.
Online classes in Ghaziabad schools
Ghaziabad District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh issued directives to suspend physical classes in schools, citing the severe pollution levels affecting the region. Singh highlighted the importance of public safety in light of escalating pollution levels and stated that the directive would remain effective until further notice.
“All schools from Class 1 to Class 12 in Ghaziabad will remain closed for offline classes and will operate exclusively in online mode until further notice,” Singh said, according to an official statement.
Haryana authorises DCs to discontinue physical classes in schools
On Monday, the Haryana government empowered deputy commissioners to suspend physical classes in both government and private schools due to the worsening air pollution. The authorization was conveyed through a letter issued by the Directorate of School Education.
“I have been directed to inform you that the government has decided that the concerned deputy commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation considering the severe AQI (air quality index) levels (as per the GRAP IV) and the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in MC Mehta case regarding Delhi and surrounding regions,” the letter read.
The deputy commissioners have been authorized to suspend physical classes for students up to Class 12 in both government and private schools and arrange for online classes, as per the recent directive.
DU, JNU shift to online classes as air quality worsens
Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have announced a temporary shift to online classes due to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. The decision comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) reached hazardous levels, with the city’s AQI hitting a staggering 494 at 4 PM.
According to a notification from Delhi University, online classes will be conducted until November 23, with regular in-person classes resuming on November 25. Similarly, JNU stated that all classes would remain online until November 22.
Both universities clarified that their schedules for exams and interviews remain unaffected despite the change in class format. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff amid alarming pollution levels.
What is GRAP-4?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a structured strategy designed to tackle air pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions. It specifies actions to be taken based on varying levels of air pollution, from moderate to severe. The measures range from imposing restrictions on industrial activities, enforcing road rationing, diverting heavy traffic, to controlling construction dust, aiming to reduce pollution levels and protect public health. The plan is activated by the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) when air quality reaches critical thresholds in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas.