No outdoor sports activities, morning assembly: Here’s how schools in Delhi plan to resume classes from tomorrow
Following a decline in pollution levels, all government-aided and private schools in the national capital will reopen from Monday, November 20, 2023.
Delhi school reopening update: Following a decline in pollution levels, all government-aided and private schools in the national capital will reopen from Monday, November 20, 2023. In simple words: Schools in Delhi can open again for physical classes from Monday 20 November. The latest announcement was made by the Delhi government on Saturday. “This is a continuation of the decision dated 18/11/2023 declaring winter break from 9.11.2023 to 18.11.2023 due to the severe plus (AQI>450) air quality prevailing in Delhi at that time,” a circular from it said Directorate of Education.
“Since the air quality index has improved (AQI dropped from >450 to 322 and as per the IMD/IITM forecast that there is no indication of a sharp deterioration in air quality in Delhi in the near future, the Sub-Committee on GRAP has updated their order date 120017.27.GRAP/2021/CAQM dated 18.11.2023 is withdrawn and sees what action was invoked under Phase IV of GRAP,” the circular said.
No outdoor sports activities, morning assembly: Here’s how schools in Delhi plan to resume physical classes
Classes for all students from Kindergarten to Standard 12 will resume from November 20. Despite the reopening of schools, the government has announced a one-week ban on outdoor sports activities and morning gatherings. “However, no outdoor sports activities and morning meetings will take place in the coming week after the issuance of this decision,” the circular reads. The Directorate of Education has asked schools to inform parents in advance about the resumption of classes. Schools in Delhi were closed and a winter break was announced on November 8 due to rising pollution in the city and mounting health concerns.
The Centre’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The Centre’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR categorizes pollution control actions into four phases: Phase I – Poor (AQI 201-300), Phase II – Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Phase III – Severe (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV – Severe Plus (AQI above 450). In view of the decline in air pollution levels, the Center on Saturday lifted strict restrictions, including a ban on construction work related to linear projects and entry of polluting trucks into Delhi. According to a PTI report, the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for formulating strategies to combat pollution in the region, has asked the states of Delhi and NCR to all to withdraw emergency measures. only CNG, electric and BS VI compliant vehicles from other states will be allowed to enter Delhi, with exceptions for those engaged in essential services.
Air Quality in Delhi: Air pollution in Delhi is declining from very poor to poor
Air quality in Delhi and its suburbs improved further on Sunday due to favorable atmospheric conditions, mainly wind direction and speed, monitoring agencies said. The city’s air quality index stood at 290 at 7am. The 24-hour average AQI, measured at 4pm each day, was 319 on Saturday, 405 on Friday and 419 on Thursday. Neighboring Ghaziabad (275), Gurugram (242), Greater Noida (232), Noida (252) and Faridabad (318) also recorded very poor air quality. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plus.