Delhi, Noida Schools Closed amid cold weather and rising pollution

As Delhi NCR grapples with its worsening air quality and ongoing cold wave, the education departments in both regions have acted swiftly to safeguard the health of students. The hybrid class model adopted by Delhi schools and the extended winter holidays in Noida reflects the growing concern over the impact of environmental factors on children’s health and well-being.

Delhi, Noida Schools Closed amid cold weather and rising pollution

Delhi NCR Schools Closed! The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a directive on Wednesday, mandating all schools in the capital to transition to hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11. This decision comes in response to the sharp decline in air quality, prompting the invocation of Stage 4 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi surged from 275 on Tuesday to 396 at 6 pm on Wednesday, and predictions from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggest it may breach the 400 mark soon.

Impact of Pollution and Stage 4 Curbs

Calm winds, low temperatures, and foggy conditions have contributed to the accumulation of pollutants in the Delhi-NCR region. As the AQI nears hazardous levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken the unprecedented step of invoking all actions under Stage 3 and Stage 4. These measures include a ban on all construction activities, restrictions on the entry of non-essential polluting trucks, and the mandatory shift to hybrid classes for students in government and private schools up to Class 9 and Class 11.

The Delhi DoE issued a circular, stating, “All heads of government, government-aided, unaided private schools under DoE, NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and 11, wherever online learning is feasible, effective immediately until further notice.” The decision is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students while maintaining continuity in their education.

Restrictions on Vehicular Movement

As part of Stage 4 curbs, Delhi has also enforced a ban on non-essential diesel trucks entering the city, alongside the restriction on Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services. These measures are aimed at curbing the pollution levels in the capital city, where the air quality has reached hazardous levels. The GRAP categorizes the air quality into four stages: Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Noida Extends Winter Holidays Due to Severe Cold

Meanwhile, in Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh, the cold wave has led to an extension of winter vacations for students. The district administration has declared a two-day holiday for schools, which will be observed on January 16th and 17th for students up to Class 8. This decision was made in response to the severe cold forecast affecting the region.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also announced that all primary schools across the state will remain closed for a total of 15 days due to the intense cold. In Noida and Ghaziabad, schools were initially closed for a shorter period, but with the current cold wave, the winter break has been extended. Schools are expected to reopen on January 20th, after the long weekend, which includes a Saturday (January 18th) and Sunday (January 19th).

Prioritizing Health Amid Adverse Weather Conditions

As Delhi NCR grapples with its worsening air quality and Noida faces an ongoing cold wave, the education departments in both regions have acted swiftly to safeguard the health of students. The hybrid class model adopted by Delhi schools and the extended winter holidays in Noida reflects the growing concern over the impact of environmental factors on children’s health and well-being. These measures aim to balance educational continuity with the need for safety in extreme weather conditions.