Schools closed in Gurugram, Faridabad due to pollution
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR continues to worsen, leading to the extension of school closures in Gurugram and Faridabad until November 25. Both district administrations issued official orders to keep physical classes for students up to Class 12 suspended. The decision aims to protect the health and safety of children due to the persistent poor air quality index (AQI) levels in both urban and rural areas.
Gurugram District Commissioner Ajay Kumar confirmed that the AQI remains hazardous, prompting the extension of the earlier closure order issued on November 18. Online classes will continue for all government and private schools in the district. Similarly, Faridabad District Commissioner Vikram Singh confirmed the extension of physical class closures until November 25.
On Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating school closures in Delhi and neighboring districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar under Stages 3 and 4. These measures are part of the ongoing efforts to combat the severe air pollution in the region.
Pollution levels have reached alarming heights in Delhi-NCR. Delhi’s AQI crossed 450 last Sunday, marking the first “severe plus” level this season. The situation worsened on Monday when the average AQI reached a record 495, the highest of the season. In response, Stage 4 restrictions were imposed under the Supreme Court-mandated GRAP to mitigate the environmental crisis.
As the air quality remains hazardous, local authorities are prioritizing the health and safety of residents, especially children, by continuing to limit outdoor activities and physical school sessions.
