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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas has relaxed the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV norms for all educational institutions, including colleges, in response to the ongoing pollution crisis in Delhi. Announced on Monday, this move allows the option of online education wherever feasible, putting the choice in the hands of students and parents.
The CAQM has directed the state governments of Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar in the NCR to ensure that classes are conducted in a hybrid mode. Other NCR state governments are also encouraged to consider this approach. This decision follows a Supreme Court directive to review the resumption of physical classes.
As Delhi schools prepare to resume physical classes, they are implementing measures to safeguard students’ health. Parents are faced with a difficult decision: sending their children to school risks exposure to pollution, while keeping them home may lead to missing out on essential in-person activities. Schools have suggested measures such as wearing masks and minimizing outdoor activities to mitigate health risks associated with air pollution.
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The Supreme Court on Monday suggested that the resumption of physical classes could be considered. Given the poor air quality in Delhi, which had dropped to “severe” levels but has since slightly improved, schools have been conducting online classes. On Monday morning, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 281, categorized as ‘poor.’
The CAQM’s decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s order, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to education amid the pollution crisis. The hybrid mode of learning aims to provide flexibility and ensure that students do not miss out on their education while minimizing health risks.
In response to the Supreme Court’s nudge, schools in Delhi are making necessary arrangements to protect students’ health if physical classes resume. The dilemma remains for parents: balancing the risks of pollution exposure with the benefits of in-person learning.
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The CAQM’s relaxation of GRAP IV norms is a significant step in addressing the current situation, providing a pathway for continued education while considering the health and safety of students. As the situation evolves, the implementation of hybrid learning will be closely monitored to ensure its effectiveness and the well-being of students in the NCR region.
