Amid rising pollution levels, the Supreme Court has ordered the closure of physical classes in schools up to 12th grade in Delhi-NCR, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. Classes will now be conducted online until further notice.

Details of the Decision

The directive comes in response to alarming levels of air pollution, with Delhi-NCR recording AQI levels above 500 in several areas. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that all schools in the capital, including classes for 10th and 12th grades, will switch to online learning starting Tuesday.

The Supreme Court, expressing concern over the deteriorating air quality, directed states to make immediate decisions regarding physical classes for school children. Following this, administrations across NCR have implemented the following measures:

• Delhi University will conduct online classes for all students until Saturday, after which a decision on resuming physical classes will be taken.
• GRAP-4 restrictions have already been in effect in Delhi-NCR, and now educational institutions have joined the list of measures to curb pollution exposure.

City-Specific Updates

Delhi

• All schools, including those for 10th and 12th grades, will remain closed.
• Classes have shifted online until further review.

Noida and Ghaziabad

• The District Magistrate of Noida has announced the closure of schools for all grades until November 23. Online classes will be conducted during this period.
• The administration will reassess the situation after November 23 for further decisions.
• Similar measures have been implemented in Ghaziabad, where classes up to the 12th grade will now be conducted online.

Gurgaon and Faridabad

• Initially, schools in Gurgaon were closed for students up to the 5th grade, but the Supreme Court’s directive has extended the closure to 12th grade.
• In Faridabad, schools for all grades up to 12th will also operate online until conditions improve.

Current Air Quality in Delhi

Despite GRAP-4 measures, air quality in Delhi remains hazardous. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels in areas such as Anand Vihar, Bawana, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, and Sonia Vihar have soared past 500, the "severe" category. Residents continue to face choking smog and health hazards.

What’s Next?

Authorities will monitor the situation closely to decide whether to extend these measures. Meanwhile, citizens are advised to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, and take necessary precautions to protect against the harmful effects of pollution.