Schools up to class 5 shift to hybrid mode amid GRAP 3 curbs

As air pollution worsens in Delhi, authorities on Tuesday announced Phase III of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP). He immediately put the step into action. This action was taken after the national capital’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 425 on Tuesday (9 am), from 362 on Monday, entering the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app showed that at 7am on Tuesday, 34 of the city’s 39 active stations reported ‘severe’ AQI levels, with several stations at the high end of the range. Bawana recorded an AQI of 462, Wazirpur 460 and both Mundka and Punjabi Bagh 452.

Will schools switch to online mode?

CAQM stated that with GRAP Phase 3 coming into force, state governments may consider closing educational institutions, including schools, colleges and coaching centres.

It also mandates schools up to Class 5 in Delhi-NCR to switch to a “hybrid” approach for classes; This allows students and parents to choose between online and face-to-face lessons depending on their access to infrastructure such as computers and the internet at home.

Last year, GRAP Phase 3 was implemented on November 13, which led to these restrictions. However, this year such measures have not yet been announced.