In response to escalating air pollution, schools in eight districts of western Uttar Pradesh, part of the National Capital Region (NCR), have been ordered to switch to online classes. The affected districts include Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli. The move comes as part of efforts to combat the worsening air quality in the region.
The suspension of physical classes will continue until further notice, depending on weather conditions. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has also been implemented across these districts to manage air pollution. GRAP outlines specific actions based on pollution levels, ranging from banning certain industrial activities to traffic restrictions and controlling construction dust. These measures are being enforced by the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR.
District magistrates across the affected districts, including Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli, have issued orders for the suspension of physical classes. The guidelines under GRAP Stage-4 are being followed strictly, with bans on construction and demolition activities and restrictions on diesel vehicles, including older models.
Meerut’s District Magistrate, Deepak Meena, directed officials to enforce the CAQM guidelines, including prohibiting garbage burning and ensuring regular water sprinkling to prevent dust pollution. He also stressed strict action against those burning stubble and vehicles without valid pollution control certificates. Similarly, Baghpat’s District Magistrate, Jitendra Pratap Singh, implemented measures such as halting road construction and cracking down on polluting vehicles. The agriculture and revenue departments in Baghpat have imposed penalties on stubble-burning violators.
These actions are part of broader efforts to tackle the ongoing air quality crisis in the NCR region, with continued monitoring and enforcement to reduce pollution levels.
