Gurugram Schools Shift to Hybrid Classes for Students Up to Class 5 Due to Severe Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

Chandigarh:

The Gurugram administration has implemented hybrid learning mode for students up to class 5 due to worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, as announced on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar emphasized that this decision prioritizes children's health and safety amid deteriorating environmental conditions.

"In view of the deteriorating air quality and as per the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under Stage-III, classes for students up to Class V in all schools of Gurugram district will now be conducted in Hybrid Mode, both offline and online (wherever feasible)," Kumar stated in a post on X.

The Deputy Commissioner has issued an official order specifying that students and their guardians retain the right to choose between attending classes physically or virtually.

Following the CAQM's enforcement of Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Haryana government directed deputy commissioners across the National Capital Region to evaluate local air quality conditions and take appropriate measures.

The Stage-III GRAP measures represent part of a graduated approach to combat air pollution across the NCR during winter months when a combination of emissions and weather patterns severely impacts air quality.

The Directorate of School Education, Haryana, instructed relevant deputy commissioners through a communication that they may suspend in-person classes for students through class 5 in both government and private schools, implementing online or hybrid instruction models to safeguard student health.

According to the November 12 communication, assessment must consider AQI (air quality index) levels separately in rural and urban areas within respective districts until air quality improves.

GRAP constitutes a series of emergency measures implemented in the Delhi-NCR region to address rising pollution levels. It activates in progressive stages—Stage I (poor air quality), Stage II (very poor), Stage III (severe), and Stage IV (severe)—corresponding to the severity of AQI readings.