Delhi government orders online mode for Classes 10, 12 after SC rap on pollution

Delhi air pollution: CM Atishi said all studies will be shifted online

Amid crippling air pollution, the Delhi government on Monday suspended physical classes for the students of Classes 10 and 12.”From tomorrow, physical classes shall be suspended for Class 10 and 12 as well, and all studies will be shifted online,” Delhi CM Atishi wrote on X.

The decision came after the Supreme Court asked Delhi and NCR states to take a call on online classes for all students and inform them by Friday.Delhi’s air quality plummeted to alarming levels on Monday, leaving people gasping for breath with itchy eyes and sore throats as the Air Quality Index stood at 494.Doctors raised concerns about health risks, cautioning that the toxic air can harm not just vulnerable groups but also healthy individuals.

Q. Delhi’s air quality is worsening — what steps are you taking to help make a difference?

Switching to an electric vehicle or carpooling

Using public transport, biking, or walking

Supporting local green initiatives and tree planting

Reducing energy use at home to lower emissions

The Supreme Court today slammed the authorities in Delhi and its surrounding areas. It flagged the delay in the implementation of stricter measures under the fourth stage of anti-pollution measure GRAP.

The apex court ruled that restrictions will remain in effect even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) comes below 450. Schools will remain shut in the entire National Capital Region, and GRAP 4 restrictions will remain till further orders, the Supreme Court said on Monday, censuring the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi and adjoining areas for delaying the imposition of graded response action plan (GRAP) 3 and 4 curbs.

A sudden dip in temperatures, a change in wind direction, a reduction in wind speeds, local pollutants (mostly from vehicles), and smoke and particulate matter from farm fires in Punjab combined to enshroud Delhi and its environs in a funereal shroud of grey smog.

Posting the matter for further consideration on Friday, the court went on to pass a slew of directions asking state governments to form teams for monitoring the implementation and enforcement of curbs under Stage 4 which requires a ban on construction, and public and private offices to work at half strength.While schools in Delhi have stopped physical classes for Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11, the court asked Delhi and NCR states to take a call on online classes for all students and inform them by Friday.