Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad will conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode from Thursday, November 12, following the implementation of Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The decision has been taken in view of rising air pollution levels in the region.Under the new arrangement, students will have the option to attend classes physically or online, wherever the online facility is available. The order applies to all government, government-aided and recognised schools in the two districts.The Gautam Buddh Nagar education department issued the directive on November 7, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) dated November 6.District Basic Education Officer Rahul Pawar said the order was issued to ensure compliance with the CAQM directions after GRAP Stage 3 was implemented in Delhi-NCR.
What does the CAQM order say?
According to Clause 8(ii) of the CAQM directions, schools in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar must conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode.This means students can attend classes either in person or online, depending on the facilities available at their schools.The directions also allow other state governments in the National Capital Region (NCR) to consider introducing hybrid classes for students up to Class 5 in their respective areas.The Gautam Buddh Nagar education department has asked all school principals and managers to follow the instructions immediately. It has also warned that schools failing to comply with the order may face action under the applicable rules.
Ghaziabad bans construction activities till November 20
Along with shifting primary classes to hybrid mode, the Ghaziabad district administration has suspended all public and private construction and demolition activities till November 20.District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar said the restrictions have been imposed to ensure the proper implementation of GRAP Stage 3 measures, following the CAQM order issued on November 7.To monitor the restrictions, the Municipal Corporation, Ghaziabad Development Authority, municipal councils, Housing Development Board and Public Works Department have been directed to form at least five dedicated inspection teams each.These teams will regularly inspect their respective areas to ensure that no construction or demolition work is being carried out during the restriction period.The District Magistrate has also warned that officials responsible for ensuring compliance may face action if the instructions are not followed.
Mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling to be increased
The Ghaziabad administration has also directed concerned departments to increase road cleaning and water sprinkling activities to control dust pollution.Mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads will be carried out at double the current capacity. The departments have been asked to speed up these operations and ensure regular monitoring.The District Magistrate has also directed the district Basic Education Officer to ensure that all schools conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode.
Noida, Greater Noida record poor AQI
The restrictions come as air quality continues to remain poor across several parts of Delhi-NCR.According to official data, Noida recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 291, while Greater Noida recorded 257 between Tuesday, 4 pm, and Wednesday, 4 pm. Both areas remained in the ‘poor’ category.However, real-time AQI readings at several locations in Noida, including Sector 62 and Sector 1, crossed 300 during the period and entered the ‘very poor’ category.The authorities have introduced these measures to reduce exposure to polluted air and control dust pollution across the region.(with PTI inputs)
