After being shut down due to alarming levels of pollution in the capital, Delhi schools have begun to open from December 18, 2021. Suspended since November, the Delhi government resumed offline sessions from November 29, but schools were shut down again after the Supreme Court took note of the hazardous pollution levels in the capital.

Offline classes in Delhi-NCR schools were shut again from December 2. Now, the Commission for Air Quality Management has permitted the reopening of Delhi-NCR schools as the pollution levels have eased. The education department had sent two proposals to the Environment Ministry to reopen schools, especially for classes 6 and above. The proposal had also mooted reopening younger classes from December 20.

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The ministry decided that the final decision would be in the hands of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

A few guidelines to keep in mind if your kids are going back to school-

1. Schools are being reopened in phases, with phase 1 allowing classes 6 and above to attend offline classes.

2. This is applicable to all other educational institutions, including colleges, universities, libraries, and training institutes in Delhi-NCR.

3. According to an official statement, offline classes for class 5 and below can resume from December 27, 2021.

4. Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a statement that  the decision to open schools will be taken after the winter vacation, after discussions with the Air Quality Commission.  

 The court had imposed strict restrictions on major sources of pollution such as industries, factories and construction. Six thermal plants were also shut and were only opened recently after the Supreme Court relaxed the instructions, in view of lowered pollution levels. However, trucks will not be permitted to enter the capital.

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 As pollution levels have decreased, the commission has also decided to lift restrictions for dairy units and industries. Now, they will be able to function at their usual timings.

 Furthermore, time constraints for paper, distilleries and thermal plants have also been lifted, but only for five days a week. Heavy industries will stay shut during the weekends.

The commission told the court that flying squads will ensure if the norms  are being followed. For those who have not abided by the rules, the enforcement task force has issued 40 closure notices.