Delhi air pollution: AQI remains in 'very poor' category, schools to go hybrid
PTC News Desk: The air quality of national capital worsened on Tuesday with air quality index crossing 300 mark falling into 'very poor' category.
A thick layer of smog covered the National Capital as the Air Quality Index in several areas continues to remain in the 'Very Poor' category. The air quality index in the metropolitan city was reeling under the 'severe plus' category for 4-5 days in the past week.
In compliance with the CAQM order, the Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi, has issued instructions to the heads of all government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools under its jurisdiction, as well as the NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board regarding conducting classes in hybrid mode for students of all classes with immediate effect until further orders.
This decision follows the Supreme Court's order dated November 25 in the case of MC Mehta vs. Union of India, directing the CAQM to review GRAP restrictions in light of their impact on education. The court emphasised the need to prioritise education while raising several concerns.
Firstly, the court noted, "A large number of students are being deprived of the facility of mid-day meals as schools and anganwadis are closed."
It further stated, "A large number of students do not have the facilities to take advantage of online education. Many educational institutions do not have the facilities to provide online education." Additionally, the court observed, "The residences of many students do not have air purifiers, and therefore, there may not be any difference between children sitting at home and those attending school."
- PTC NEWS
