Delhi-NCR schools upto Class 5 shift to hybrid mode as GRAP Stage 3 kicks in
Schools in Delhi and five major NCR districts, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat have been directed to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode until further orders, as authorities have implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid worsening air quality. Delhi's Enviorment Minister, in a message shared in a video format, has instructed the schools to go in hybrid mode until the new GRAP impositions don't take place.
He also urged residents to follow the restrictions as weather conditions were expected to affect pollution levels further.
"All schools up to the fifth grade are required to operate in a hybrid mode; this is mandatory. These restrictions also apply to the NCR cities of Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat," Sirsa adds.
The arrangement allows students to attend classes either physically or online, wherever the online facility is available. The choice of attending classes online will rest with students and their parents or guardians.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage III on Friday, November 6, bringing additional restrictions across Delhi-NCR.SCHOOLS NOT COMPLETELY SHUT, HYBRID LEARNING MADE MANDATORY
Under the Stage III provisions, schools up to Class 5 in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar must offer both physical and online classes, wherever feasible.
This is not a blanket school closure order. Schools can continue physical classes while providing an online option to students.
Other NCR districts may also consider introducing hybrid classes, depending on local conditions and directions from the respective state governments.OLDER PETROL AND DIESEL VEHICLES FACE RESTRICTIONS
The GRAP Stage III restrictions also prohibit the movement of certain older vehicles in Delhi and specified NCR districts.
Petrol vehicles meeting BS-III emission standards or lower and diesel vehicles meeting BS-IV standards or lower will not be allowed to operate in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The restrictions also cover diesel-operated BS-IV and older medium goods vehicles in Delhi. Older diesel medium and light goods vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be permitted to enter the Capital.
Vehicles adapted for persons with disabilities and used for their personal travel are exempt from the restrictions.
Delhi's overall AQI stood at 382 on Friday, November 6, according to the Hindustan Times report, placing it in the 'very poor' category and close to the 'severe' threshold.
The Environment Minister warned that wind speeds could fall sharply from Saturday, leaving pollutants trapped closer to the ground and potentially worsening air quality.
The restrictions will remain in force as long as the corresponding GRAP measures continue. Residents and parents have been advised to follow further announcements from the CAQM, state governments and local education authorities.- Ends
