Delhi goes back to school as Supreme Court eases anti-pollution measures

All government and private schools in the national capital will resume physical classes with immediate effect, per a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE).

This decision comes after the Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement the Graded Response Action Plan-II (GRAP) restrictions. As per the Delhi government order, all the government and private schools in Delhi must conduct classes in physical mode with immediate effect.

'All government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are required to conduct all classes in physical mode with immediate effect,' the circular said.

On 17 November, in-person classes were shifted to online mode, except for classes 10 and 12, due to the 'severe-plus' air quality index in the national capital. However, on 18 November, offline classes for classes 10 and 12 were also moved online.

The Centre's air quality panel for Delhi-NCR revoked restrictive pollution control measures under stages 3 and 4 of the anti-pollution control plan for winters, according to an official order.

The restrictions have been reduced to Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which involves less stringent curbs, such as a ban on the use of coal and firewood in industries and commercial establishments, including eateries.

Earlier, on Thursday, 5 December, the Supreme Court allowed the relaxation of stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures, which was in force to tackle the severe air quality in Delhi. With the SC relaxation, the government will take a call in the next few hours on lifting the bans from certain activities. The government may lift the ban on truck entry and the temporary halt on construction of public projects, for example.

Despite the easing of some restrictions, certain measures remain in effect under Stage 2, however. The use of coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries, for example, continues to be prohibited.

Noting that the AQI level in the National Capital Region (NCR) did not cross 300 in the last four days, the top court told the CAQM that Stage 3 curbs would be re-introduced if the AQI crossed the 350 mark and stage 4 curbs if the AQI crossed 400.

Delhiites breathed cleaner air for the second consecutive day on Thursday, as the AQI was recorded in the "moderate" category with a reading of 165 as the average.