Delhi School Closure: Primary Schools Shut, Pollution Levels Remain ‘Severe’

Due to rising pollution levels in Delhi and the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting the ‘severe’ level for the second consecutive day, the Delhi government has decided to shut primary schools and move classes online. Chief Minister Atishi shared the announcement on social media platform X, saying, “Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions.”

Order Details

The Directorate of Education of the Delhi government has directed all government, aided and private recognised schools (DoE, MCD, NDMC and DCB) to close physical classes for students up to Class 5 and ensure online learning.

The order said: “All the Heads of Govt., Govt. Aided and Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Directorate of Education (DoE), MCD, NDMC & DCB in Delhi are directed to discontinue physical classes in schools for children up to Class V. Heads of Schools are hereby directed to ensure classes in online mode for the students of these classes till further orders.”

Why was this decision taken?

This decision has been taken due to the restrictions imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board under the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under this, all construction and demolition activities have been banned in Delhi-NCR and the entry of certain types of vehicles has been restricted.

No announcement has been made so far regarding when physical classes will resume in schools.

Other restrictions for pollution control

Ban on vehicles: Inter-state buses (except electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses) coming from NCR states will not be able to enter Delhi.

Ban on construction work: All construction and demolition activities will remain closed unless related to health services, national security or other important projects.

Phases of GRAP

• Phase I (AQI 201-300): ‘Poor’ air quality
• Phase II (AQI 301-400): ‘Very poor’ air quality
• Phase III (AQI 401-450): ‘Severe’ air quality
• Phase IV (AQI >450): ‘Severe plus’ air quality

These provisions of GRAP implemented in Delhi-NCR are aimed at preventing air quality from deteriorating further.

The Delhi government has taken this strict step to avoid the serious effects of pollution. Now it remains to be seen how much these restrictions and policies improve the air quality and what impact it has on the education of students.