Delhi Pollution Emergency: Schools Shift to Online Classes for 5 Grades as Air Quality Worsens
Delhi government orders schools to shift online classes up to Class 5 as air pollution worsens, aiming to protect young children from hazardous air quality
In light of the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the state government has suspended offline classes for students from nursery to class 5 in all schools until further notice. The directive comes two days after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital.
Government, government-aided and private schools have been directed to conduct classes in the online mode for the aforementioned standards.
“In view of the prevailing high AQI levels in Delhi, it has been decided that classes in physical mode for students of Nursery to Class V are discontinued till further orders…all Heads of Schools are hereby directed to ensure classes in online mode for the students of these classes,” the Delhi government wrote in its statement.
In line with the GRAP order issued on Saturday, the state government directed schools to continue classes in “hybrid” mode for children up to Class 10 and 11.
“Accordingly, all the Heads of Government, Government Aided and Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Delhi are hereby directed to follow these guidelines and disseminate the information to the parents and guardians of the students immediately,” the statement read.
Stage 4, the highest level of GRAP, was invoked on Saturday, after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 450-mark. Several industrial activities and entry of heavy vehicles to the capital have been heavily curtailed to reduce pollution and safeguarding public health. Schools and offices were also encouraged to shift to hybrid format.
Delhi’s AQI stood in the ‘severe’ category on Monday with a reading of 427, after touching the second-highest AQI on record for December on Sunday at 461. Over 60 flights were cancelled and 5 diverted at Delhi airport due to poor visibility, news agency PTI reported.
Amid worsening air quality and growing health concerns, the Delhi government has ordered all schools to shift to online classes for students up to Class 5, marking an urgent step to protect young children from the harmful effects of severe pollution. The decision comes as the national capital continues to battle dangerously high levels of air pollution, with smog enveloping the city and air quality indices remaining in the “poor” to “severe” categories.
Children are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to air pollution exposure. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory infections, reduced lung development, eye irritation, and long-term health complications, especially in younger children.
Citing these concerns, the Delhi government issued directions to schools to suspend physical classes for primary students and switch to online learning until pollution levels improve. Officials said the move was preventive in nature and aimed at reducing children’s outdoor exposure during commuting hours and school activities.
Delhi’s air quality deteriorates sharply every year during winter due to a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, weather conditions, and stubble burning in neighboring states. Low wind speed and temperature inversion often trap pollutants close to the ground, resulting in dense smog.
In recent days, residents have reported reduced visibility, breathing difficulties, and increased hospital visits due to pollution-related ailments. Environmental experts have warned that continued exposure could worsen public health outcomes if urgent measures are not taken.
The shift to online classes for Classes 1 to 5 has triggered mixed reactions among parents and educators. While many parents welcomed the decision as necessary for their children’s safety, others expressed concerns about screen time, learning effectiveness, and access to digital resources.
Schools have been asked to ensure that online classes remain structured, interactive, and age-appropriate, with emphasis on reducing screen fatigue. Teachers have also been encouraged to focus on revision, reading activities, and light assessments rather than heavy academic pressure.
For working parents, especially those without flexible schedules, the sudden switch has posed logistical challenges. However, authorities maintain that health considerations must take priority during periods of extreme pollution.
The government’s decision is part of a broader response to Delhi’s pollution crisis. Authorities have activated pollution-control measures, including restrictions on construction activities, increased monitoring of vehicle emissions, and advisories urging residents to limit outdoor activities.
Officials have also appealed to citizens to cooperate by using public transport, avoiding unnecessary travel, and following pollution-control guidelines. Environmental agencies continue to monitor air quality trends and assess whether additional restrictions are required.
While temporary school closures and online classes provide short-term relief, experts stress the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to address Delhi’s pollution problem. These include cleaner fuel adoption, better public transport infrastructure, stricter enforcement of emission norms, and regional coordination to tackle stubble burning.
Health professionals have also advised parents to take precautionary steps at home, such as using air purifiers, keeping windows closed during peak pollution hours, and ensuring children wear masks if outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
The government has clarified that the online class arrangement is temporary and will be reviewed based on air quality improvements. Schools have been instructed to remain prepared for a return to offline classes once conditions become safer.
Authorities are expected to issue regular updates, and parents are advised to stay in touch with schools for revised schedules and instructions.
The move to shift Classes 1–5 online underscores the severity of Delhi’s pollution challenge. While the decision disrupts routine learning, it highlights the government’s attempt to prioritize public health, particularly that of young children.
As Delhi continues to grapple with toxic air, the situation serves as a reminder that addressing pollution requires not only emergency responses but sustained policy action, public cooperation, and environmental accountability.
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