Delhi Schools CLOSED amid Air Pollution; Online Classes until further directions

The decision comes as the capital’s air quality has reached hazardous levels, with readings exceeding the 400 AQI mark in many areas, making it unsafe for children, especially those in primary school.

Delhi Schools Closed! In response to the alarming rise in air pollution levels, the Delhi government announced on Thursday, i.e. November 14, 2025, that all primary schools in the city will shift to online classes until further notice. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the decision, stating, "Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions." The decision comes as the capital’s air quality has reached hazardous levels, with readings exceeding the 400 AQI mark in many areas, making it unsafe for children, especially those in primary school.

Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels

Delhi’s air quality has rapidly deteriorated in recent days, prompting the government to implement   Stage III   of the   Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3). This stage introduces emergency measures to combat the worsening pollution levels. The   System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)   reported that Delhi's AQI has reached a   “very poor”   status, intensifying health risks for the city's residents. With the PM 2.5 concentrations crossing the   400   mark and PM 10 levels surpassing 1,000, the air quality has become increasingly hazardous, posing severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

BJP Demands School Closures Amid Pollution Crisis

Earlier this week, the   Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)   called for the immediate closure of all schools up to Class 5   in response to the rising pollution levels. At a press conference on Wednesday,   Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva voiced concerns over the toxic air affecting children's health. He emphasized that both government and private schools   should be shut down to protect students from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Sachdeva criticized the Delhi government, led by the   Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)  , for failing to adequately manage the city’s pollution crisis. He claimed that the government had not provided sufficient health services to mitigate the pollution's impact, particularly for children and the elderly. “The pollution levels have reached hazardous levels, and immediate action is required,” Sachdeva said.

Schools Suspend Outdoor Activities, Implement Health Measures

As the pollution crisis escalates, several schools in Delhi and the   National Capital Region (NCR)   have already suspended outdoor activities. A prominent school in   Gurugram informed parents that all outdoor activities would be suspended for the day, with   online classes   scheduled for   November 14  . The school urged students to wear   N95 masks for protection. “Due to severe pollution levels, we are suspending all outdoor activities for the day. The school will closely monitor AQI levels throughout the day to ensure the safety of our students,” the email to parents stated.

Additionally, other schools in Delhi have implemented precautionary measures such as advising students to stay indoors during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels peak. Outdoor activities, including sports and physical education classes, have been restricted until the air quality improves.

Health and Awareness Campaigns to Combat Pollution

In light of the ongoing pollution crisis, several schools have also introduced health and awareness campaigns. One school issued an advisory recommending the use of eco-friendly transportation methods like carpooling, CNG vehicles, or public transportation such as the metro. The school has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and ensuring proper ventilation at home. To raise awareness about the pollution crisis, peer educators have been conducting sensitization programs, encouraging students to actively engage in discussions and actions related to combating air pollution.

Parents have also been encouraged to participate in the conversation, with schools inviting suggestions on how to address the city’s growing pollution problem. As the air quality continues to deteriorate, the collective efforts of schools, parents, and the government remain crucial in safeguarding the health of Delhi's children.

With the air pollution in Delhi reaching hazardous levels, the city’s primary schools have now moved to online learning as a precautionary measure. While the immediate focus is on protecting students from the harmful effects of toxic air, the situation also underscores the need for long-term solutions to tackle the pollution crisis in the capital. As the Delhi government and schools take action, parents and the public are urged to rely on official updates and continue prioritizing health and safety during this critical time.

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