Air Pollution: After Delhi, Gurgaon temporarily shuts down schools, authorises online classes

The Haryana government issued a directive on Monday suspending physical classes for Classes 1 to 5 starting from November 19, 2024, in Gurgaon, in response to the deteriorating air quality. The decision came as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region worsened, with several areas experiencing a shift from the "Very Poor" category to the "Severe" category.

"As per the directive from the Director General, Elementary Education Haryana, physical classes up to 5th grade will be suspended in Gurugram from 19.11.2024 due to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions. AQI has moved from "Very Poor" to "Severe" in some areas," the Director General of Elementary Education, Haryana posted on social media platform X along with a copy of the official notification. "Online Classes will be conducted in place of physical classes for all Government & Private schools," his post added.

Earlier this week, the Directorate of School Education had written a letter to all the District Deputy Commissioners on Sunday noting the severe AQI levels in Delhi and surrounding regions. The letter requested the directorate to issue necessary directions for holding online classes for upto Class 5th in the schools (Govt. and Private) in the interest of the health and safety of the students.


" I have been directed to inform you that the Government has decided that the concerned Deputy Commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation (as per the GRAP) in view of the severe AQI levels in Delhi and surrounding regions and may discontinue physical classes and issue necessary directions for holding online classes for upto Class 5th in the schools (Govt. and Private) in the interest of the health and safety of the students. The assessment for rural and urban areas of the concerned districts may be carried out separately," the letter read.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also declared on Sunday night that all students would no longer attend physical classes, with the exception of those in classes 10 and 12.

"With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tomorrow, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders," the Delhi Chief Minister wrote on X.

In light of the current pattern of declining air quality in the National Capital Region, the Sub-Committee called for the implementation of all measures outlined in Stage-IV of GRAP—"Severe+" Air Quality (Delhi's AQI > 450)—with effect from 8 a.m. on November 18 (tomorrow) throughout the entire NCR.