Delhi shifts schools up to Class 5 to hybrid mode amid rising pollution

Amid deteriorating air quality in the Capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday all schools would switch to hybrid mode for classes up to Class 5.

Chairing a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, she said the decision was made with the safety and well-being of children as the government’s top priority. Until air quality improves, classes would be conducted both online and offline.

The Chief Minister, along with Cabinet Ministers Pravesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma and senior officials from key departments, reviewed the city’s pollution status. The meeting focused on major sources of air pollution such as vehicular emissions, open waste burning and dust and resolved to tackle these issues through a coordinated, mission-oriented approach.

Gupta directed authorities to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III across Delhi, warning that construction sites found in violation of the plan would face immediate sealing and heavy penalties. She also announced an increase in enforcement teams to 2,088, tasked with monitoring compliance, particularly in high-pollution areas.

Departments such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) have been instructed to ramp up dust-control efforts, including the deployment of water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and mechanical sweeping machines. In addition, over 300 mist spray systems will be installed across pollution hotspots by November 30.

To address the issue of solid waste, Gupta directed agencies to clear all pending garbage piles and ensure daily removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. She also instructed organisations such as Delhi Metro, NBCC, NCRTC and NHAI to strictly adhere to dust-control guidelines and install smog guns at major construction sites.

In a bid to curb open burning, the government would identify households still using solid fuels and connect them to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. To discourage security personnel from lighting open fires during winter, electric heaters would also be distributed.

Addressing concerns over recent disruptions in air quality data, the Chief Minister clarified the problem stemmed from a nationwide technical glitch, not a local malfunction. She said while Delhi’s air quality is impacted by external factors and weather conditions, the government is fully committed to tackling pollution and is taking systematic action within the city.