Delhi schools shift classes for Nursery to Std 5 online amid rising air pollution

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The Delhi government has ordered the suspension of physical classes for students from Nursery to Class 5 in the national capital. The decision was taken in view of worsening air quality levels in the national capital region (NCR).

A circular that was issued by the Directorate of Education on Monday, all government, government-aided and unaided private recognised schools in Delhi will shift these classes to online mode until further orders.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure due to the persistently high Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the city.

The circular states that heads of schools have been directed to ensure that teaching for students up to Class 5 is conducted exclusively in online mode.

Parents and guardians are to be informed immediately about the change in mode of instruction, as per the circular.

Classes beyond Class 5 will continue as per earlier instructions issued by the education department on December 13, the circular further clarified.

The Directorate of Education has also asked all District Deputy Directors of Education to ensure smooth implementation of the order across their respective zones.

Other agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Cantonment Board, have been further instructed to issue necessary directions to schools under their jurisdiction.

The move comes as Delhi continues to battle hazardous air pollution levels, with authorities repeatedly warning of potential health risks, especially for young children.

Meanwhile, a dense, toxic layer of smog persisted upon Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday, plunging air quality into the "severe" to "hazardous" category and triggering a suite of emergency restrictions aimed at mitigating a public health crisis.