Air pollution: Lungs of 10th, 12th students different? SC asks states to stop physical classes

In view of severe air pollution, the court has ordered the closure of 10th and 12th-grade classes in the Delhi-NCR and mandated online classes due to hazardous air pollution levels. Read more about it here.

The Supreme Court of India directed Delhi-NCR to suspend all physical classes up to 12 in view of the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court has made it clear that all the classes up to the 12th will be conducted in online mode. On earlier decision of conducting physical classes for classes 10th, and 12th, the court questioned the Delhi government and said,'' The lungs of 10th and 12th students cannot be different than the other students. If a direction can be given to stop those physical classes as well.”

All physical classes suspended

The court further added that all states should take an immediate call to stop physical classes of all standards up to class 12. According to the court, the classes will be conducted online until the pollution level improves.

GRAP to remain in effect

The court also questioned the delay in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan  (Grade 4) measures. It directed that restrictions under stage 4 of GRAP should remain in effect even if the AIQ dips below 450. This order will remain in effect until further notice from the apex court which was hearing a plea aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi/NCR.

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GRAP-IV Restrictions: What's allowed, what's not

In view of the alarming air pollution conditions, the Graded Response Action Plan  (Grade 4) measures have been implemented which includes the following measures.

Not allowed

• No trucks would be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric).
• Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.
• All construction and demolition activities are suspended.

Allowed

• All schools have been shifted to online mode. Earlier, class 10th and 12th students were not shifted to online mode. These students have been directed to keep checking with their respective school authorities for further updates.
• Offices can be operated online with a capacity of 50 per cent workforce.
• Additional measures include schools, college closure and non-essential activities.