Pollution Halts Classes: Schools Up to Grade 5 Closed, Shift to Online or Hybrid Learning

Panchkula (The Uttam Hindu): The Haryana Government has taken a major decision in view of rising air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR). Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the government has ordered the closure of schools up to Class 5 due to severe Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

The Directorate of Secondary Education, Haryana has issued instructions to all concerned Deputy Commissioners, directing them to assess the actual air quality situation in their respective districts. If the AQI remains in the ‘severe’ category, both government and private schools will suspend offline classes for Pre-Primary to Class 5 with immediate effect.

Schools have been instructed to continue teaching through online or hybrid modes, wherever possible. The directive also emphasizes that urban and rural areas should be evaluated separately since pollution levels are often worse in cities compared to villages. Hence, flexibility has been allowed in implementing the closure, depending on local air quality data.

Deputy Commissioners have been asked to collect and compile air quality data from all blocks within their districts. The government stated that the main objective is to safeguard children’s health. Increasing smog, dust, and toxic gases are severely affecting the lungs and respiratory systems of young children. According to medical experts, children below 10 years of age are more vulnerable to pollution-related illnesses. Therefore, conducting online classes is seen as a safer alternative.

School administrations have been directed to immediately arrange online learning platforms. In areas with limited internet or device access, a hybrid model may be adopted. Parents have also been urged to cooperate and prevent children from outdoor activities or attending schools physically until the situation improves.