Hybrid mode and construction ban in schools

The air quality of the national capital Delhi has once again reached critical levels. On Monday, December 16, 2024, at 9 pm, Delhi’s AQI (Air Quality Index) was recorded at 399, which increased to beyond 400 just an hour later. This is considered a very serious category.

To control air pollution, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) constituted by the Environment Ministry called an emergency meeting. In this meeting, it was decided to implement the fourth stage (Stage-4) of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan).

Restrictions applicable under GRAP-4

Many strict restrictions have been imposed under GRAP-4:

1. Ban on construction:
   • All types of construction and demolition activities, including highways, flyovers and other public projects, have been banned.
2. Entry ban on trucks:
   • The entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods has been completely banned in Delhi.
3. Classes in Hybrid Mode:
   • Classes 6 to 9 and 11 in Delhi-NCR schools will now be taught in hybrid mode.
   • Students can study either online or physical mode.
   • Schools can take their own decisions for classes 10 and 12.
   • Hybrid mode was already in place up to Class 5 under GRAP-3.

AQI level in major areas of Delhi

Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 379 at 4 pm on Monday, December 16, 2024, which increased to 400 at 10 pm. Air quality reached extremely dangerous levels in many areas:

Operating schools in hybrid mode

In view of the increasing levels of air pollution, all schools in Delhi-NCR have been instructed to adopt hybrid mode.

1. Classes 6 to 9 and 11:
   • Students can study through both online and physical mediums.
   • Keeping in mind the health of the children, physical presence will not be mandatory.
2. Class 10 and 12:
   • The decision to conduct these classes has been left to the school administration.
3. Cities included:
   • Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida.

The government has ordered all schools to strictly follow these instructions so that the health of children is not affected by pollution.