India orders Delhi schools to offer online classes as air quality worsens ahead of Diwali

New Delhi, Nov 6 (Reuters) - India ordered schools in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region to switch to online classes as air quality deteriorated sharply ahead of Diwali. The government also urged offices to allow work from home and advised people to postpone private gatherings and limit outdoor exposure. The measures, part of an ongoing air-pollution response, aim to reduce how much time people spend outdoors during a period of elevated smog and seasonal pollution. Air-quality readings in several parts of the capital and the NCR were in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range, prompting health officials to advise wearing masks and keeping windows closed when pollution is high. Delhi Disaster Management Authority and the environment ministry said educational institutions should continue online learning until further notice and that nonessential public events should be canceled or postponed. Residents were urged to minimize activities that generate dust and smoke, avoid open burning, and use air purifiers where available. The steps come as Diwali celebrations approach, with authorities asking households to curb firecrackers and reduce pollution from private celebrations. The policy covers Delhi and parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh within the NCR, and officials said they would review the situation and issue updates as needed.