New Delhi has activated emergency educational protocols as the capital’s air quality deteriorated to ‘severe’ levels, marking the worst pollution episode of the season. The Directorate of Education issued directives on Friday mandating all government, government-aided, and private schools under municipal jurisdictions to immediately transition to hybrid learning models for students in Classes 1 through 9 and Class 11.
The educational shift combines online and limited in-person instruction as a protective measure against hazardous atmospheric conditions that have engulfed the metropolitan region. School administrators have been instructed to implement virtual classrooms where feasible while maintaining academic continuity. Parents and guardians retain flexibility to choose remote learning options for their children during this environmental crisis.
This educational adjustment follows the Commission for Air Quality Management’s activation of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – the most stringent emergency protocol – after the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 450, entering the ‘Severe+’ category. Health authorities have concurrently advised vulnerable populations, particularly children and individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions, to minimize outdoor exposure and utilize protective masks when ventilation is unavoidable.
The comprehensive response reflects growing concerns about the health implications of prolonged pollution exposure, with reduced visibility and hazardous particulate matter concentrations creating potentially dangerous conditions for outdoor activities. Educational officials will maintain the hybrid learning framework until air quality indicators show substantial improvement.