Delhi-NCR students who have been attending online classes due to severe air pollution may soon see a change in the learning environment. Following a Supreme Court hearing on Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed state governments in the region to conduct classes in a “hybrid” mode. This means both physical and online classes should be offered, depending on the feasibility and choice of students and their families.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, expressed concerns about the challenges students face during the ongoing online education. Many students have been deprived of mid-day meals, and a significant number lack the necessary resources to attend virtual classes effectively. Additionally, the court noted that many students do not have air purifiers at home, which means the indoor air quality may not be any better than that of their schools.
In response, the CAQM has ordered that hybrid classes be implemented from Wednesday, November 27, if not sooner. Students and their guardians will have the option to choose the online mode, where available, to continue their education without compromising on safety.
Air Pollution Leads to School Closures and Online Classes
The severe air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have led to the suspension of physical classes in schools since last week. As part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV, authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram decided to close schools and shift to online learning to protect the health of students. Schools will remain closed until November 25, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to stay in the ‘Very Poor’ category.
In Gautam Buddh Nagar, which includes areas like Noida, the local district authorities have extended the suspension of physical classes until Tuesday, November 26, due to the ongoing air quality concerns.
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Impact of Poor Air Quality on Daily Wage Workers
The Supreme Court also highlighted the significant impact of the air quality crisis on various sections of society, particularly daily wage laborers, who have been adversely affected by restrictions such as construction bans and limited access to work sites. The bench directed all states to use the funds collected through the labour cess to provide subsistence to these workers during the ongoing restrictions.
Court’s Strong Stance on Enforcement of Air Quality Measures
The Court criticized the Delhi authorities for not taking adequate action to enforce the restrictions under GRAP-IV. It noted that the police had only been deployed at a few entry points and that too without clear instructions, which led to a serious lapse in ensuring that polluting vehicles were kept out of the city.
In response, the Court ordered the CAQM to initiate action against Delhi government and police officials for failing to implement the pollution control measures effectively.
What’s Next for Delhi-NCR’s Schools?
While the Court has refused to relax the GRAP-IV restrictions until there is a consistent improvement in air quality, it is hoped that hybrid learning will bring some relief to students in the region. The CAQM’s decision to allow both physical and online modes of education gives students the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their circumstances, as the region continues to battle high pollution levels.
As per the latest reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi has slightly improved, shifting from the ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’ category. However, experts suggest that the air quality remains harmful to sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Conclusion
While the exact timeline for reopening physical schools in Delhi-NCR remains uncertain, the new hybrid mode of learning provides a balanced approach to continue education while prioritizing the health of students and staff. As the situation progresses, further guidelines from the CAQM and the Supreme Court will likely shape the future of school operations in the region.
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