Haryana shuts schools up to Class 5 amid rising pollution near Delhi-NCR

Panchkula (The Uttam Hindu): In view of the increasing air pollution in Haryana, the government has begun preparations to take serious steps. Following the implementation of GRAP-3 restrictions, a decision may be taken to temporarily close physical classes up to the fifth grade in schools in the Delhi-NCR region. Given the severity of the situation, the Directorate of Education has delegated decision-making authority to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts based on local conditions.

Schools up to grade 5 in Haryana, adjacent to Delhi-NCR, will be closed due to pollution, the Directorate of Education has decided; the authority has been delegated to the DC: In a letter issued by the Directorate of Education, it has been said that the Air Quality Index (AQI) is continuously reaching dangerous levels in various areas of Delhi-NCR. In such a situation, keeping in mind the health of the children, it is necessary that the education of primary classes should be done only through online medium. The Directorate has directed the DCs of all the districts to take a decision after reviewing the local pollution situation and ensure the arrangement of online classes in schools as per the need.

According to the guidelines, this arrangement will apply equally to all public and private schools. Officials say that the health of young children can be quickly affected by polluted air, so their safety is the top priority right now.

At the same time, the Education Department has clarified that physical classes can resume if the situation improves. Furthermore, school administrations have been instructed to ensure that children's learning is not affected during online classes and that teachers continue regular attendance and evaluation processes.

The state government has also appealed to parents to limit children's outdoor activities and follow pollution prevention measures to reduce health risks during this period.