UP NCR Schools Shift to Online Classes Amid Rising Air Pollution

Meerut: Schools in all eight districts of western Uttar Presh, part of National Capital Region (NCR), have been instructed to conduct classes online due to rising air pollution, Officials announced on Tuesday.

Physical classes have been suspended in districts of Meerut, Ghaziab, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, and Hapur (all part of Meerut Division), as well as in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli.

National Capital Region (NCR) includes Delhi, 14 districts from Haryana, two districts from Rajasthan, and eight districts from Uttar Presh. In Uttar Presh, NCR covers an area of 14,826 square kilometers.

"All schools in se districts have been directed by ir ministrations to switch to online medium for classes because of air pollution levels till furr orders," Divisional Commissioner (Meerut) Selva Kumari J told PTI.

" suspension of physical classes can be extended depending on wear conditions," officer said.

She said guidelines of Gred Response Action Plan (GRAP) are also being implemented across division.

GRAP is a comprehensive plan that outlines specific actions to be taken at different levels of air pollution, ranging from moderate to severe.

se actions include measures like banning certain industrial activities, ro rationing and traffic diversions for heavy vehicles, and controlling construction dust. GRAP is invoked by Centre's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and joining areas.

Depending on air quality index and guidelines categorised in GRAP, anti-pollution measures are being taken in se six districts accordingly," she ded.

district magistrates of all Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziab, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli have issued orders for suspension of physical classes and switching to online mode until furr instructions.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Meerut District Magistrate Deepak Meena, during an online meeting with officials from relevant departments, directed strict compliance with guidelines issued by CAQM.

"Construction and demolition activities are prohibited under GRAP Stage-4. Regular water sprinkling must be ensured to prevent dust pollution," Meena instructed.

He furr emphasized immediate action against incidents of garbage burning, imposing penalties on violators.

"Regular vehicle checks should be conducted to curb vehicular pollution, and penalties must be imposed on those operating vehicles without valid PUC certificates. Actions should also be taken against farmers burning stubble in NCR," he ded.

Baghpat District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh also ordered strict implementation of similar measures.

Under GRAP-4, all construction and demolition activities have been prohibited. Restrictions have also been placed on diesel vehicles, including BS-3 and BS-4 vehicles, and those aged over 10 years for diesel and 15 years for petrol, officials said.

transport department has launched a crackdown on plying of such vehicles for violating pollution norms. To reduce reliance on generators, DM Singh has directed uninterrupted power supply across district, according to officials.

Public Works Department has halted all ro construction activities, and both agriculture and revenue departments have taken action against stubble burning, imposing penalties totaling Rs 12,500 on violators in Baghpat, y ded.

(with agency inputs)