NEW DELHI: Delhi government instructed schools on Tuesday to implement hybrid learning for students up to Class 5 due to rising pollution levels, following the Centre’s activation of Stage III anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).The decision came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) saw a significant increase from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning. The surge was attributed to calm winds, stable atmosphere, and unfavorable weather conditions that trapped pollutants near the surface, according to news agency PTI.

“All heads of schools of government, government aided, unaided recognized private schools of DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class V in a hybrid mode i.e., both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders.”The hybrid mode of education allows students to attend classes both physically and online where feasible, ensuring continuity of education while addressing health concerns due to high pollution levels in the capital city.