Air Pollution in Delhi: In response to the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, all schools in Gautam Buddha Nagar, including Noida, have been instructed to suspend physical classes and switch to online teaching by November 23. The directive comes as the region’s air quality index (AQI) climbed above 450, placing it in the ‘Sever+’ category as of the evening of November 17.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma issued the order on November 18 following the guidelines of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

“In view of the above and to control the poor air quality, the Commission has invoked Stage IV of the Gradul Response Action Plan,” the order said.

Stage IV of the GRAP is the highest level of emergency response to combat hazardous air pollution. It includes strict measures such as stopping non-essential construction, banning diesel generators and restricting industrial activity. Suspension of in-person classes for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade is part of these measures.

Authorities are prioritizing public health and urging schools to switch to full online education during this time. This temporary arrangement is intended to minimize students’ exposure to toxic air.

University of Delhi on Monday said that the classes will be held in online mode till November 23 ca Air quality index (AQI) in Delhi and NCR has reached alarming levels.

Physics classes for classes 10 and 12 have been suspended from Tuesday and all studies will be moved online, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said in a post on X.

The decision came after supreme court issued a series of instructions for strict implementation of preventive measures and asked all regions of Delhi-NCR to immediately call for suspension of physical classes up to class 12.

“The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi and NCR has deteriorated to an alarmingly high index. In the larger interest of the students, it has been decided that the classes will be conducted in online mode till Saturday, November 23, 2024,” a Delhi University statement said.