Ghaziabad and Noida Schools Shift Online Amid Severe Air Quality Concerns

As the air quality in Delhi-NCR worsens to critical levels, officials in Ghaziabad and Noida have mandated that elementary and middle school students switch to remote learning. This move comes after the enforcement of Stage 3 actions as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which encompasses limitations on outdoor activities and construction projects aimed at fighting pollution. The area's Air Quality Index (AQI) has stayed in the "severe" range, with measurements surpassing 430 in certain areas of the NCR, signaling dangerous conditions. Continuous exposure to such poor air quality can have a significant impact on health, particularly affecting children and those with existing respiratory issues.

In light of this, schools have been directed to conduct online classes until the air quality improves. Numerous parents have shown support for this decision, highlighting worries about their children's well-being amidst the current pollution emergency. Additionally, the government has ramped up other efforts to combat pollution, including restricting the number of vehicles entering the city and boosting the frequency of public transportation to cut down on emissions from vehicles. However, experts emphasize the need for ongoing and unified strategies to tackle the fundamental issues behind the recurring air quality problems in the area.