Schools in Noida to start classes at 9 am amid cold; hybrid classes for class 1-5 due to pollution

Schools in Noida to start classes at 9 am amid cold; hybrid classes for class 1-5 due to pollution

The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has issued directives for all schools in Noida and Greater Noida to begin classes from 9 AM starting Tuesday, December 17, due to the prevailing cold wave. This decision aims to safeguard students from the harsh winter conditions, officials said on Monday.

In addition to the revised school timings, the administration has also ordered schools to adopt hybrid learning mode for students up to Class 5 in light of deteriorating air quality and restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III.

According to an official notification issued by District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Dr Dharmveer Singh, the revised timing will apply until further notice. Schools are expected to comply with the directive strictly. Dr Singh noted that Gautam Buddh Nagar district has nearly 2,000 registered schools, including those affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, and the UP Board.

Hybrid Classes for Class 1-5 Due to Pollution

Citing the rising air pollution, Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Rahul Panwar mandated that schools from Class 1 to Class 5 conduct classes in a hybrid mode. Students and parents will have the option to switch to online education wherever possible, ensuring minimal disruption to learning amid health concerns.

The measures come as air quality in Noida and Greater Noida dipped to ‘very poor’ levels, with AQI readings at 323 and 358 respectively. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted that calm winds and a stable atmospheric inversion layer are exacerbating pollution levels, leading to the activation of GRAP Stage III protocols.

Impact of GRAP Stage III

Under GRAP Stage III, stricter measures are being enforced across the NCR region, including a ban on:

• Non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (BS-IV or older) within Delhi.
• Diesel light commercial vehicles (BS-IV or older) registered outside Delhi.

The rising pollution and severe cold have led authorities in Delhi-NCR to take urgent steps to safeguard public health, particularly for young children and vulnerable groups.

Officials emphasized the importance of public cooperation to mitigate the worsening air quality. Parents and schools are urged to ensure children are dressed warmly and opt for online education when needed.