School holiday in Delhi-NCR: Will schools close next week due to worsening air pollution?

New Delhi: With air pollution worsening in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), parents and students are concerned about whether schools and colleges will remain open next week. As of now, there is no official order to close schools, but the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has issued directions to stop outdoor activities to protect children’s health.

The DoE’s circular instructed schools to postpone all physical sports competitions scheduled for November and December. This decision comes after monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has reached hazardous levels in many parts of Delhi-NCR. The directions apply to all schools under the Government of NCT of Delhi, including Government, Government-aided, and private recognized schools under DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board. It also applies to universities, colleges, and sports associations recognized by the National Sports Federations and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. All institutions are required to strictly follow these rules until further notice.

Classes and school activities

Schools in Delhi will continue running classes, but there will be adjustments based on students’ grades. Students up to Class 5 will attend classes in a hybrid mode, combining online and offline learning. Students in Classes 6 to 12 will continue attending school offline, with teachers ensuring safety measures amid poor air quality.

The Supreme Court of India has also taken note of the situation. On November 19, during a hearing in the MC Mehta case, which monitors air pollution in the NCR, the Court urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools to postpone sports and athletic events until the air quality improves. The Court suggested moving these events to months with safer pollution levels to avoid putting children at risk.

Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing as amicus curiae, told the Court that several schools in the NCR still planned to hold their annual sports meets in November, despite the severe pollution spike. She warned, “Children are the most vulnerable. Holding sports events now is like putting them in gas chambers.”

Taking note of her concerns, the Supreme Court asked the CAQM to review the situation and issue directions to reschedule school sports events. Additionally, the Court noted that a similar plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court, which may also issue orders regarding postponing outdoor activities.

ALSO READ: How stable tax rules can rebuild business trust and boost growth

ALSO READ: A simple daily breathing test can reveal early signs of lung trouble

Why schools are not closed completely

Although the air quality is hazardous, the DoE has not ordered full school closures. Instead, they have halted outdoor activities and implemented hybrid learning for younger children. This approach aims to balance the continuity of education with children’s safety. Schools are expected to strictly follow the DoE circular to protect students while continuing academic sessions.

The DoE circular is significant because it shows a coordinated effort by multiple agencies to address the health risks posed by rising air pollution. By postponing sports events and stopping outdoor activities, authorities hope to reduce children’s exposure to toxic air. At the same time, hybrid classes ensure that students in younger grades do not miss out on learning.

Experts have repeatedly warned that children are more vulnerable to pollution than adults. Exposure to high levels of dust, smoke, and other pollutants can affect their lungs, immunity, and overall health. The Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that schools and sports activities are conducted safely.

The AQI in Delhi-NCR has remained at hazardous levels due to various factors, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, and seasonal changes like stubble burning in neighboring states. This spike in pollution has led authorities to adopt stricter measures in schools and public spaces.

Parents have expressed concerns over sending children outdoors for sports and other activities during this time. Many have appreciated the DoE’s steps to postpone physical competitions and halt outdoor events. Meanwhile, schools are focusing on indoor activities and classroom learning until air quality improves.

The DoE and Supreme Court directives underline the importance of child safety during extreme pollution events. By delaying outdoor sports and ensuring hybrid learning, authorities aim to reduce children’s exposure to harmful pollutants while keeping education on track.

In conclusion, schools in Delhi-NCR will remain open for classes, but outdoor sports activities and large gatherings have been postponed due to hazardous air quality. Younger students will follow hybrid classes, while older students continue offline lessons. The Supreme Court and CAQM are actively monitoring the situation to guide schools and authorities on further steps to protect children’s health.

Parents and students are advised to stay updated on air quality reports and follow safety measures, including limiting outdoor activities, using masks, and ensuring children’s health is prioritized during this pollution crisis.