Delhi schools to switch to hybrid as pollution crisis worsens
What's the story
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all schools in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to switch to hybrid classes for students up to Class V. The decision comes after air quality in the region worsened, prompting stricter anti-pollution measures. The order was issued by Director of Education Veditha Reddy under Stage III (Severe) measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Implementation details
DoE mandates immediate transition to hybrid classes
The DoE circular (No. DE.23(28)/Sch. Br./2025/1004) mandates all government and recognized private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board to conduct classes in a hybrid format till further notice. Schools have been asked to immediately inform parents about this transition. Officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order across all concerned education departments and boards.
Pollution measures
Air quality remains in 'severe' category
Delhi's air quality index continued to remain in the 'severe' category on Tuesday, with readings above 400 at several monitoring stations. This is a far cry from "good" readings below 50. In light of this, the Commission for Air Quality Management enforced stage three of the GRAP on Tuesday, "keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration."
Health risks
Restrictions under stage 3
Under stage three, private BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar are banned. There are also prohibitions on private construction and demolition, as well as the use of stone crushers, mining, and other related activities. Other restrictions include a ban on lower diesel-operated light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, with the exception of those transporting essential goods or performing vital services.