The hazardous pollution levels in the national capital are adversely affecting educational institutions as well. Delhi University and JNU have decided to conduct classes online. At Delhi University, online classes will run until November 23, and Jawaharlal Nehru University will continue them until November 22.
This decision comes at a time when air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached "dangerously high" levels, raising major concerns for health and safety. As of 4 PM on Monday, the AQI in Delhi was 494.
Delhi University issued a notification stating that regular classes in "physical mode" will resume on November 25.
In a statement, JNU declared it will conduct all classes online until November 22. However, the universities confirmed that there will be no changes to the exam and interview schedules.
The Delhi government has declared the air pollution situation a "medical emergency," urging institutions to implement precautionary measures in the interest of public health. Two major factors contributing to the poor air quality are weather conditions and stubble burning. Due to the deteriorating air quality, many schools and colleges in the region have already commenced online classes.
In light of the dangerous pollution levels in Delhi, changes have been made to the operational hours of government offices. Now, MCD offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while Delhi government offices will function from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The decision to stagger the opening and closing times was made considering the pollution levels in Delhi.
Due to pollution, many areas in Delhi are covered in smog, affecting visibility and causing disruptions to flights. With rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented the Stage IV of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR from 8 AM on November 18, 2024. Additionally, online classes have been mandated for schools up to 9th grade, and masks have been made compulsory for 10th to 12th-grade students. Furthermore, construction activities and diesel generators are prohibited.
