As winter intensifies across north India, schools are once again being forced to adapt — not because of exams or holidays, but due to hazardous air quality, dense fog and cold-wave conditions. Over the past few weeks, state governments and district administrations have issued a series of official orders altering school operations to protect children’s health while minimising academic disruption.
Delhi-NCR: GRAP IV pushes online and hybrid classes
With air quality in the national capital slipping into the severe category, authorities activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest anti-pollution framework enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management.
Following directions from the Delhi Directorate of Education, physical classes for Nursery to Class V were suspended and shifted fully online. For Classes VI to IX and Class XI, schools were instructed to follow a hybrid model, allowing a mix of online and in-person learning depending on feasibility.
Similar orders were issued in Noida and Ghaziabad, extending the restrictions across the Delhi-NCR. Alongside immediate measures, the Delhi government has also announced the installation of air purifiers in 10,000 government school classrooms under its ‘Breathe Smart’ initiative, focusing first on high-pollution zones.
Uttar Pradesh: Cold wave and fog trigger closures
In Uttar Pradesh, school disruptions have largely been driven by cold-wave and dense fog warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department. District magistrates in Bareilly, Kanpur and several other districts ordered temporary closures, particularly for younger students.
In Bareilly, schools up to Class VIII were closed, while Kanpur ordered the closure of all schools from Nursery to Class XII for two days. Similar district-level orders were issued in Rampur, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, Budaun and Gonda, with exemptions generally limited to scheduled examinations.
Bihar: Revised timings instead of shutdowns
Authorities in parts of Bihar opted for timing changes rather than full closures. In Madhubani and Patna districts, schools were directed not to hold classes before 11 am or after 3.30 pm. Meanwhile, Buxar district ordered the closure of schools for Classes I to VIII until December 25 due to intense cold.
What parents should watch for
Officials have stressed that these measures are temporary and may change based on daily air quality readings and weather forecasts. Parents are advised to closely follow district administration notices, school circulars and official advisories as winter conditions continue to fluctuate.