NEW DELHI: A severe cold wave and worsening pollution have forced many state governments, including Delhi-NCR, to shut schools or change their timings.
In Noida, classes for nursery to Class 8 are suspended until January 17.
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For Classes 9 and 11, schools have been asked to conduct hybrid lessons, mixing online and offline teaching.
In Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all schools to switch to hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and 11.
This order applies to all government, private, and aided schools under the NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board.
The move follows Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is triggered when pollution levels become very severe. Physical classes for Classes 10 and 12 will continue as scheduled due to upcoming board exams.
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The air quality in Delhi-NCR has taken a sharp turn for the worse. The Air Quality Index (AQI) rose from 275 on Tuesday to 396 by Wednesday evening.
Experts say calm winds, low temperatures, and thick fog have caused pollutants to accumulate, making the air dangerous to breathe.
Scientists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) warn that the AQI could soon cross 400, reaching hazardous levels.
To address this crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered authorities to implement emergency measures under Stages 3 and 4 of GRAP.
These include stopping non-essential industrial activities and limiting vehicle use to control pollution.
GRAP classifies air quality into four categories: Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-450), and Severe Plus (above 450).
