In the wake of alarming levels of air pollution in the Delhi and National Capital Region, the University of Delhi has decided to conduct all its college and departmental classes online. The decision is in respect of ensuring health and well-being of students and will be observed from Saturday, November 23, 2024. It will be resumed on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Despite its virtual shift, the university clarified that scheduled examination and interview schedules will not be affected and will still continue as set.

According to the statement, the Competent Authority was consulted on the decision to emphasis academic continuity within health considerations.

As stated, air quality in the area is degrading, and the university issued a notice regarding the fact.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi & NCR has worsened to alarming high levels. In the larger interest of students of the Colleges and the Departments of the University of Delhi, it has been decided that classes shall be conducted in Online Mode till Saturday, November 23, 2024. Regular classes in physical mode will resume on Monday, November 25, 2024. The schedule of Examinations and Interviews shall remain unchanged, it stated. The move is a continuation of wider steps that educational institutions in the region have undertaken. In a decision earlier this morning, the Delhi government extended its suspension of physical classes to cover students from Classes 10 and 12 as well after the Supreme Court had ordered the same. The Supreme Court directive had emphasized the need for school closure for children in Delhi-NCR as hazardous air quality posed a grave threat.

The government had already switched all other classes of schools to online mode since yesterday, ensuring safety for the students amid the worsening of pollution levels. Such steps are ultimately reflective of growing concern over the region’s air pollution crisis, with AQI levels climbing to hazardous levels that adversely affect daily life as well as public health.

With this background, it is suggested that students and parents continue to look at the developments from University of Delhi and others as these authorities continue to tackle the pollution crisis. Meanwhile, they are advised to take precautions to ensure their health by minimizing their outdoor activities and using air purifiers or masks when necessary.

This temporary change in teaching method serves as an example that showcases how learning institutions adapt to environmental problems for success on both counts: academic and student.