All Noida, Greater Noida schools shift to online and hybrid classes amid hazardous air

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Noida and Greater Noida have mandated an immediate shift to online and hybrid learning for all schools, as air pollution in the district reached hazardous levels, prompting authorities to invoke the highest emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The directive, issued by the District Education Officer on December 14, applies to all institutions regardless of their affiliation — including the UP Secondary Education Council, CBSE, ICSE and others — and will remain in effect until further notice.

This decisive action follows the classification of the district’s air quality in the “severe plus” category, a situation deemed a serious public health emergency.

According to The Indian Express, the order stipulates that students from pre-nursery to Class 5 must move entirely to online instruction. For pupils in Classes 6 to 9, as well as Class 10, a hybrid model has been authorised, allowing schools the flexibility to conduct physical classes alongside online sessions where feasible. School principals have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.

The move aligns with the activation of GRAP Stage-IV restrictions across Delhi and the National Capital Region by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The curbs were triggered after Noida recorded the worst air quality in the nation on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 455, deep in the “severe plus” bracket. Neighbouring Greater Noida registered an AQI of 442, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Authorities have underscored the grave health risks posed by the current pollution crisis. In line with CAQM advisories, vulnerable groups — particularly children, the elderly and pregnant women — have been urged to remain indoors. All residents have been advised to minimise outdoor exposure, with warnings that the polluted air could exacerbate or trigger serious respiratory conditions.

The education sector across the capital region has been notably impacted. Delhi’s own Directorate of Education announced a similar shift to hybrid learning for students up to Class IX and Class XI, with only those in board-examination years — Classes 10 and 12 — exempted to continue physical attendance.