New Delhi: As air pollution levels in Delhi soar to hazardous levels, authorities have taken decisive actions to safeguard public health. Primary schools across the capital have switched to online learning, while students of Class 6 and above continue attending offline classes under strict safety guidelines.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the “severe” category for the second consecutive day on Friday, recording an AQI of 411 at 9 a.m., prompting the enforcement of stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Schools Adapt to Protect Students
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that offline classes for students up to Class 5 are suspended until further notice. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all government, private, and municipal schools to shift to online learning for these grades.
Schools are implementing stringent precautions for senior students attending in-person classes. Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School in Dwarka, was quoted by newswire PTI saying, “Outdoor activities are restricted, and we’re encouraging indoor alternatives like reading, painting, and games such as chess and carrom. N95 masks are mandatory, and we’ve issued advisories promoting eco-friendly habits like carpooling and antioxidant-rich diets.”
Indraprastha International School Principal Rajiv Hassija shared that teachers are leveraging smartboards and platforms like Microsoft Teams to ensure seamless online learning for students. In municipal schools, online classes will be conducted, with teachers reporting to the school to deliver lessons, said Kuldeep Khatri, president of Shiksha Nyay Manch.
GRAP-3 Measures in Force
The Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai outlined GRAP-3 enforcement measures, including bans on private construction, and demolition activities, and restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. To curb vehicular emissions, only electric and CNG-powered buses are permitted entry into the city. Violations will incur fines of ₹20,000.
An additional 106 cluster buses have been deployed, with 40 designated for government employees, covering key areas like Dwarka, Janakpuri, and Rohini to reduce private vehicle use. Metro trains will also operate 60 extra trips daily.
Enhanced Mitigation Efforts
To combat road dust, 200 mobile anti-smog guns are operating in three shifts, ensuring continuous water sprinkling. Public transport use, cycling for short distances, and carpooling are strongly encouraged by the government.
The minister cautioned that if pollution levels worsen, emergency interventions like artificial rain could be initiated with central government support. “We urge residents to adopt measures to reduce pollution and work from home whenever possible,” Rai added.
Delhi’s worsening air quality has sparked renewed urgency among authorities to protect vulnerable populations and curb pollution sources, with collaborative measures being implemented across sectors.
