In response to escalating levels of pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government has outlined plans to introduce air purifiers in 10,000 classrooms within government schools as an initial measure. Education Minister Ashish Sood has disclosed that a tender will be issued imminently to facilitate the installation of air purifiers across designated classrooms in Delhi's government schools.

During a press briefing, Sood declared that the government is dedicated to addressing the issue of pollution by implementing lasting administrative strategies.

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“We are not those who flaunt IIT degrees and do campaigns like Odd-Even or Gaadi On, Gaadi Off campaign. We are tackling the issue of pollution through long-term administrative measures”, he says, taking a dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party government.

He adds, “We want our children to study smart and also breathe smart air. In the first phase, air purifiers will be installed in 10,000 classrooms”.

 

The minister, who is responsible for urban development as well, revealed that the Public Works Department plans to acquire mechanical road sweepers for every assembly constituency by utilizing the environmental cess fund.

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Due to the heightened levels of air pollution and the implementation of Grap 4 in Delhi-NCR, the capital city has decided to halt in-person classes for students up to Grade 5. Classes for Grades 6 to 11 will now follow a hybrid learning model.

The Directorate of Education in Delhi has mandated that schools for early grades conduct online classes, while older grades will continue with a combination of online and in-person instruction. Schools have been instructed to reduce the presence of students in person and adopt a blended approach of online and offline learning to continue teaching. In accordance with GRAP-IV, state governments and the Delhi government are permitted to halt in-person instruction for Classes VI to IX and Class XI, based on the prevailing circumstances in their respective regions.

The city has decided to take this action in response to the current high Air Quality Index (AQI), as stated. Schools have been instructed to hold online classes exclusively for these students. Nevertheless, classes for other grade levels will be held in a hybrid model, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the education department.

As a consequence of the escalating air pollution in Delhi-NCR, a significant modification has been implemented in the educational framework of schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad. The District Inspectors of Schools in both regions have issued official directives mandating that beginning on December 14, 2025, all educational sessions for students ranging from pre-nursery to Class 5 will be conducted solely through online platforms until further notice.

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According to the guidelines, Classes 6 to 9 as well as Class 11 will operate in a hybrid manner, incorporating both virtual and in-person sessions where possible. This mandate has been made in accordance with the Graded Response Action Plan due to escalating levels of pollution and the detrimental effects on the well-being of students.

All government, government-affiliated, and reputable private educational institutions in the specified areas have been directed to adhere rigorously to this directive until additional instructions are provided. Delhi woke up to a stifling environment filled with hazardous smog, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 330 in the morning, placing the city in the "severe" pollution classification.