Due to a rise in levels in the National Capital Region, Delhi schools were forced to close earlier this month (NCR).
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas announced on December 17 that Delhi schools up to Class 5 will resume on Monday, December 27. The commission had authorised educational institutions to resume in stages. Schools for students in grades 6 through 12 were allowed to reopen on December 18.
"Taking into account the submissions received and in light of the improvement in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) from 'Severe' to 'Very Poor,' the Commission today directed the State Governments of the NCR and GNCTD to allow the re-opening of schools and educational institutions in a phased manner," the commission said last week.
"State governments of NCR and GNCTD may take the decision for resumption of physical sessions for students up to V standard only w.e.f. December 27, 2O21, appropriately considering the Air Quality Index IAQII and the winter holiday programme," the CAQM said.
"State governments of NCR and GNCTD have been urged to take prompt decision for resumption of physical lessons in schools (standard VI onwards), colleges, educational institutions, skill development & training institutes, other training institutes, and libraries," according to the commission.
According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi's air quality on Saturday was very poor.'