Will schools remain closed or open in Delhi after GRAP 4? How will classes run amid bad AQI?

New Delhi: The continuously deteriorating air quality in the national capital Delhi has once again increased the concern of the administration. After the air reached extremely toxic levels, the government took immediate action and implemented Phase-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This has had a direct impact not only on the life of common people but also on the education system of schools. Although schools have not been completely closed, the method of teaching has been changed for many classes.

Decision to study in hybrid mode in schools

According to an official circular issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education (DDE), schools in the capital have been instructed to conduct studies in hybrid mode for some classes. This means that wherever possible, students will be given the option of online classes along with coming to school to study. This arrangement is being considered as a relief for those students who are feeling uncomfortable in coming to school due to bad air.

On which classes will this order apply?

In the circular issued on December 13, it has been clarified that this hybrid system will be applicable for students up to class 9 and class 11. All government, government-aided and private recognized schools under the Education Department, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board will have to follow this order. This arrangement will remain effective till further orders.

Will schools remain open?

After this decision, it is natural to raise the question whether schools will remain open in Delhi. The Directorate of Education has clarified that schools have not been closed. All schools will remain open, but studies up to class 9 and class 11 will be in hybrid mode. Students and their parents have been given the freedom to opt for online classes if they wish.

Online learning is completely voluntary

DDE has also clarified that attending online classes is not mandatory. This decision will completely depend on the students and their parents or guardians. Where online education facility is available, using it or not will be based on the consent of the family. The school management has been instructed to immediately inform the parents about this decision.

Why was GRAP-4 implemented?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to implement the strictest phase of GRAP i.e. GRAP-4 after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the ‘severe’ category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s ‘Sameer App’, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 462 at 6 am on Sunday, which is considered a very dangerous level for health.

Strict restrictions under GRAP-4

With the implementation of GRAP-4, all restrictions of Phase-3 will also continue. Apart from this, more strict steps have been taken to reduce pollution. There has been a complete ban on entry of trucks in Delhi except for essential services. However, trucks running on LNG, CNG, electricity and BS-VI diesel are exempted from this ban.

Trying to balance health and studies

This decision of the government is clearly an attempt to strike a balance between the health and education of the students. On one hand, hybrid studies will provide a safe environment to children, while on the other hand, their studies will not be affected. Changes in this arrangement are possible depending on the wind conditions in the coming days.