New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) All government and private schools in the national capital will recommence physical classes immediately following a circular from the Directorate of Education (DoE).

This action is a result of the Supreme Court permitting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan-II (GRAP) restrictions.

According to the order from the Delhi government, all government and private schools in Delhi are now allowed to hold classes in physical mode without delay.

"All government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board are mandated to conduct all classes in physical mode immediately," the circular stated.

Previously, on November 17, in-person classes were transitioned to online mode, except for grades 10 and 12, due to the 'severe plus' air quality index in the national capital.

However, on November 18, offline classes for grades 10 and 12 were also transitioned to online mode.

The air quality panel of the Centre for Delhi-NCR has lifted the stringent pollution control measures under stages 3 and 4 of the winter anti-pollution plan, as per an official directive.

The restrictions have now been downgraded to Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which entails less stringent measures, such as prohibiting the use of coal and firewood in industries and commercial venues, including eateries.

Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court authorized the relaxation of stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures, which were in effect to combat the critical air quality in Delhi.

With the Supreme Court's relaxation, the government is expected to make decisions in the coming hours regarding the lifting of bans on specific activities.

The government might remove the prohibition on truck entry and the temporary suspension of construction on public projects.

Authorities can also permit physical classes in schools and colleges.

Despite some restrictions being lifted, certain regulations will still apply under Stage Two. The use of coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels, restaurants, and outdoor eateries, remains prohibited.

Observing that the AQI level in the National Capital Region (NCR) has not exceeded 300 for the past four days, the top court warned the CAQM that stage-3 restrictions would be reinstated if the AQI surpasses 350, and stage-4 measures would follow if it exceeds 400.

Delhi residents experienced cleaner air for the second consecutive day on Thursday, with the AQI falling into the "moderate" category at a reading of 165.