Delhi Schools Move Online as Pollution Levels Surge; Offline Classes for Higher Grades Continue

New Delhi: With primary schools across Delhi switching to online mode due to rising air pollution levels, authorities are taking extra precautions to safeguard students in higher classes who continue attending school offline.Sudha Acharya, the Principal of ITL Public School in Dwarka, stated, "We’ve implemented guidelines for students attending school. Outdoor activities are restricted. We are encouraging indoor activities such as reading, painting, crafting and games like chess and carrom." The school has also issued an advisory promoting eco-friendly habits like carpooling, staying hydrated, and maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants."We have mandated the use of N95 masks, keep all doors and windows closed and take extra care of students with pre-existing respiratory issues like asthma," Acharya added. The school has also taken measures to ensure a safe indoor environment by avoiding common allergens and chemical irritants such as fragrances and strong cleaning agents.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced GRAP 3 measures after the national capital recorded the worst pollution levels in the country. The air quality remained in the "severe" category for two consecutive days, with the AQI at 411 at 9 am on Friday.In response to the deteriorating air quality, Chief Minister Atishi announced that all schools up to Class 5 would switch to online learning until further notice. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has instructed government and private schools, as well as Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)-run schools, to suspend offline classes for these students.Rajiv Hassija, principal of Indraprastha International School in Dwarka, shared, "Teachers will continue to deliver lessons on campus using Microsoft Teams and smartboards equipped with the full syllabus to facilitate online learning effectively." Hassija also mentioned that recorded sessions would be shared with students so they can rewatch them and catch up on missed lessons. "Students are asked to wear school uniform during their online classes, and they also have 15 minutes gap between two classes to walk around and hydrate themselves," he added.Additionally, all outdoor activities, particularly those before 10 am, have been suspended for secondary class students. "We also ensure our campus remains green and consult parents who are doctors to introduce healthy diet suggestions for students. Additionally, we advise families to incorporate home remedies, such as taking steam," said Hassija.Meanwhile, Kuldeep Khatri, president of Shiksha Nyay Manch, confirmed that online classes would be conducted in MCD-run schools, though teachers would still be required to come to school to conduct the lessons. (With Agency Inputs)

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Delhi Schools Move Online as Pollution Levels Surge; Offline Classes for Higher Grades Continue

Delhi schools shift to online classes for younger students amid severe air pollution, while higher classes follow safety protocols and indoor activities.

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