In response to severe pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, the administration of Khairthal-Tijara district in Rajasthan has announced that schools will conduct online classes for students in classes 1 to 5 for four days, starting Wednesday. District Collector Kishore Kumar issued the directive on Tuesday, following the Supreme Court’s instructions for states in the NCR to assess the feasibility of physical classes amid the worsening air quality.
Khairthal-Tijara, a district formed from Alwar in August 2023, falls within the NCR. According to Kumar’s order, all government and private schools in the district will shift to online classes for students in classes 1 to 5 from November 20 to 23, or until further notice, whichever comes first.
While physical attendance is suspended for students, teachers are required to report to schools to conduct the online sessions, the order specified.
The order to shift to online classes was issued as temperatures dropped across Rajasthan, causing pollution levels to soar dangerously in several cities. An alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 380 was recorded in Bhiwadi (Khairthal), while Karauli and Bikaner also reported hazardous air quality.
A total of 26 districts in Rajasthan, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Ganganagar, Tonk, Banswara, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, and Pratapgarh, reported AQI levels exceeding 200, indicating poor air quality. However, southern Rajasthan, encompassing Sirohi, Pratapgarh, Sikar, Rajsamand, Barmer, and Ajmer, recorded the cleanest air in the state.
On November 18, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) enforced the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Khairthal-Tijara district. In response, measures like water sprinkling and the deployment of smog guns were implemented to control dust pollution in the city.
In Bhiwadi, smog blanketed the sky throughout the day, reducing visibility and causing discomfort, with residents reporting eye irritation and breathing difficulties.
Khairthal-Tijara, a district formed from Alwar in August 2023, falls within the NCR. According to Kumar’s order, all government and private schools in the district will shift to online classes for students in classes 1 to 5 from November 20 to 23, or until further notice, whichever comes first.
While physical attendance is suspended for students, teachers are required to report to schools to conduct the online sessions, the order specified.
The order to shift to online classes was issued as temperatures dropped across Rajasthan, causing pollution levels to soar dangerously in several cities. An alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 380 was recorded in Bhiwadi (Khairthal), while Karauli and Bikaner also reported hazardous air quality.
A total of 26 districts in Rajasthan, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Ganganagar, Tonk, Banswara, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, and Pratapgarh, reported AQI levels exceeding 200, indicating poor air quality. However, southern Rajasthan, encompassing Sirohi, Pratapgarh, Sikar, Rajsamand, Barmer, and Ajmer, recorded the cleanest air in the state.
On November 18, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) enforced the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Khairthal-Tijara district. In response, measures like water sprinkling and the deployment of smog guns were implemented to control dust pollution in the city.
In Bhiwadi, smog blanketed the sky throughout the day, reducing visibility and causing discomfort, with residents reporting eye irritation and breathing difficulties.