In response to worsening air quality across Delhi and surrounding areas, the Haryana government announced on Saturday (November 16) the closure of all schools for students up to Class 5. The directive applies to both government and private institutions, aiming to protect young children from the severe pollution levels currently affecting the region.
The Directorate of School Education instructed District Deputy Commissioners to transition affected students to online learning, urging them to evaluate local conditions based on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Officials were advised to conduct separate assessments for rural and urban areas within their districts to address pollution concerns more effectively.
This measure follows Delhi’s decision to suspend primary school classes and move to online education due to hazardous air quality. The escalating crisis has raised health concerns, particularly for children, prompting authorities to implement these preventive steps to minimize the impact of the environmental emergency.