Delhi schools to shift to hybrid mode as AQI worsens
What's the story
Amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has ordered all schools to switch to hybrid classes for students from Classes I to IX and Class XI with immediate effect. The directive aims to reduce children's exposure to dangerous pollution levels while also maintaining academic continuity. All government, government-aided, and unaided recognized private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board must comply with the order.
Pollution response
GRAP Stage-IV measures enforced amid severe pollution
The DoE order came after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to a sharp deterioration in air quality across Delhi-NCR. Previously, the CAQM implemented Stage-III restrictions, which included hybrid classes for students up to Class V and a ban on construction activities. To note, Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the year on Saturday with an AQI of 431, per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Office restrictions
Work-from-home rules imposed for Delhi offices
The Delhi government has also mandated reduced physical attendance at all government and private offices. While administrative secretaries and department heads are required to attend the office regularly, staff attendance at both government and private offices must not exceed 50%. The remaining employees have been ordered to work from home. However, senior officials may ask employees to report to their offices to ensure uninterrupted essential and emergency services.
Exemptions
Essential services exempt from work-from-home rules
According to the Delhi government's directive, essential and emergency services are exempt from the work-from-home restrictions. These include hospitals and healthcare facilities, fire services, public transport, electricity and water supply, sanitation services, and disaster management agencies. Meanwhile, the Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that Delhi's AQI will remain in the "severe" category on Sunday as well.