Delhi School Closed Due to Pollution - Haryana and Punjab Schools Announced Holiday

Delhi AQI Severe: Delhi CM Atishi has announced that physical classes for school students will be suspended except for class 10 and class 12 today, November 18, 2024. The announcement has been made considering the high alert on the region's rising pollution for the fifth continuous day. 

The Commission for Air Quality Management has issued a notification to control air pollution in Delhi NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan, also known as GRAP IV, which will be in effect from 8 AM today.

The Delhi CM took to social media stating that with the imposition of GRAP-IV physical classes will be discontinued for all students apart from class 10 and class 12. She further added that all schools will conduct online classes until further notice.

With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tmrw, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 17, 2024

Delhi AQI

As per the Air Quality Index, most parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas remain under’ severe; conditions as of Sunday, November 17, 2024, while smog continues to prevail amidst cold winds bringing the temperature down. The overall AQI of Delhi stood at 428 - ‘severe’ category - at around 7 am on Sunday.

GRAP-IV Measures Implemented

As per the state government order issued, no trucks will be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or those using clean fuel like LNG, CNG, BS-VI Diesel or Electric. All non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited except for electric vehicles and CNG and BS-VI diesel vehicles. All Delhi-registered BS-VI or older Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are also banned except for those in essential services.

Other measures like the closure of colleges and other educational institutions will also be followed. An official statement has been issued urging citizens to follow GRAP-IV measures. Considering the severity of the situation, closure of non-emergency commercial activities, and permitting running of vehicles on the odd-even-basis of registration will also be followed. 

AQI In Northern States

While Delhi has recorded a severe AQI, states like Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are also on alert. The AQI of Haryana is equally concerning, with readings around 320, categorised as "very poor" to "severe."  Gurgaon and Faridabad regions in Haryana are under critical air quality levels.

Punjab recorded an AQI of 207 - "unhealthy" category the state is still grappling with the health implications of prolonged exposure to poor air quality.

Cities like Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh, which are also a part of Delhi-NCR region, are also under "severe" AQI levels, with readings around 352-408. It must however be noted that no school closures have been announced in these areas and discussions are underway on measures to be adopted.

Schools Closed, Classes to be Held Online

Considering the severe air quality levels, district and state administrations in the northern states have announced school closures and shifted to online classes. 

Haryana Announces School Holidays for Primary Section

The state government of Haryana has declared holidays for students up to Class 5 in both government and private schools. The directives were issued by the Directorate of School Education allowing Deputy Commissioners to extend the holiday or shift to online classes depending on local air quality conditions. The closure of schools applies to regions like Gurgaon and Faridabad, which are seeing severe AQI levels similar to Delhi.

Punjab School Closure: Government Notification Soon

The Punjab government is expected to close schools in the state considering the weather conditions. The state is closely monitoring the situation considering the AQI hitting "unhealthy" category. Temporary school closures is expected in order to prevent prolonged exposure of students to polluted air.

Uttar Pradesh School Holidays: Confirmation Soon

Cities like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Meerut, part of the heavily polluted Delhi-NCR belt, have recorded am AQI levels in the "severe" category. An official announcement regarding school closures or online classes is yet to be issued by the government. Parents and students are advised to keep in touch with school authorities for latest updates.

Also Read: Delhi School News Today: AQI Dips to ‘Very Low’ Category, BJP Demands Closure of Schools