Delhi Schools Shift to Online Mode for Classes 10 and 12 After SC's Warning on Pollution

In response to the dire air quality in Delhi, which reached a hazardous level of 494 on the Air Quality Index, the city's government has taken decisive action to protect its students' health. Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi, announced that, effective immediately, physical classes for students in Classes 10 and 12 would be suspended.

This move to online learning aims to safeguard the health of young learners as the city grapples with thick smog and pollution that has enveloped the area, causing widespread respiratory issues among its residents. The decision aligns with the Supreme Court's directive to transition to online classes amid the escalating air pollution crisis.

The Supreme Court has been vocal in its criticism of the handling of the pollution situation by authorities in Delhi and its surrounding regions. It highlighted the delayed implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan's (GRAP) stage 4 measures, designed to combat severe air pollution levels. Despite the AQI dropping below 450, the court has mandated that these restrictions remain in place, a decision aimed at preventing any further deterioration of air quality. The court's frustration was evident when it questioned the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on its sluggish response, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Alarming Pollution Levels Prompt School Closures

The recent surge in pollution levels to the worst recorded in six years prompted a swift response from the Supreme Court, ordering the closure of schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the immediate implementation of GRAP stage 4 restrictions. This reaction came as major cities within the NCR, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, reported severe air quality indices of 423, 438, and 469, respectively. The court's directive underscores the critical need for immediate action to address the health risks posed by the polluted air.

The air quality in Delhi, with an AQI standing alarmingly at 494, has raised significant health concerns among doctors. They warn that the toxic air poses a risk to everyone, not just the most vulnerable groups, leading to symptoms such as itchy eyes and sore throats and exacerbating respiratory conditions. The situation has become so severe that out of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 15 have recorded the highest possible air quality index of 500, indicating perilous levels of pollution.

In light of the Supreme Court's stern stance on the pollution crisis, the Delhi government's move to online classes for the safety of students is a part of broader measures being taken to mitigate the adverse effects of the smog enveloping the city. The court's insistence on maintaining GRAP stage 4 restrictions even if the AQI falls below 450 serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against pollution in the region. With the health implications of the current air quality being a cause for concern, these measures are crucial steps in safeguarding the well-being of the city's residents.