Two days after Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad DCs order hybrid classes for students upto Class 5

“To protect the health and safety of children, classes up to Class 5 will be held both offline and online,” Kumar said in his order, adding that parents and students can opt for online classes where the facility is available.

Schools have been instructed to ensure that studies are not disrupted, and teaching continues smoothly.

The decisions are in line with the November 11 order of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and the state government’s directives issued on November 12, the similarly-worded orders added.

The DCs have requested that the respective district education officers, district elementary education officers, and all private and government schools ensure compliance with the orders.

The Delhi Government issued similar orders Tuesday. The GRAP-3 restrictions were imposed following a sharp deterioration in air quality in Delhi, from the “very poor” to the “severe” category.

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, CAQM said that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 362 on November 10, spiked to 425 by 9 am on November 11. The rise was attributed to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and adverse weather conditions.

“Considering the ongoing trend in air quality and to prevent further decline, the sub-committee has decided to implement all measures under Stage III of GRAP – ‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI between 401 and 450) – with immediate effect across the NCR,” the statement had added.

Under GRAP Stage III restrictions, Delhi has imposed a complete ban on all dust-generating construction and demolition activities, including demolition work, excavation, brick masonry, welding, painting, tile cutting, waterproofing, road repairs, and the transportation of construction materials or waste.

Vehicle movement is severely curtailed, with a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi. Only electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel inter-state buses from NCR states — excluding All India Tourist Permit buses and Tempo Travellers — are permitted entry into Delhi.