Air pollution: Schools in Noida and Greater Noida to switch to online mode till November 23 amid very poor AQI in Delhi

On By Pranco

Air Pollution in Delhi: In response to the alarming air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, all schools in Gautam Buddha Nagar, including Noida, have been ordered to suspend physical classes and switch to online education till November 23. This guidance comes as the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed above 450, putting it in the “Severe+” category since November 17 evening.

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

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

Phase IV of GRAP is the highest level of emergency response to combat hazardous air pollution. It includes strict measures such as halting non-essential construction work, banning diesel generators and restricting industrial activities. The suspension of in-person classes for all students from kindergarten to grade 12 is part of these measures.

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

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

Physical 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 the Supreme Court issued a slew of directions for strict implementation of preventive measures and asked all Delhi-NCR regions to immediately take a call to halt physical classes up to Class 12.

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