Delhi schools to implement winter action plan to curb pollution
The Directorate of Education has ordered schools to conduct anti-firecracker campaigns and dust control measures through February 2027.
The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a circular on October 29 directing all government, government-aided, and recognised private unaided schools to follow the Winter Action Plan 2026-27. The directive aims to mitigate air pollution through various preventive measures.
Heads of schools must implement dust control by sprinkling water in open areas and avoiding construction activities that generate dust. Schools are also required to expand green patches, promote recycling, and install efficient ventilation systems to maintain clean indoor air.
To prevent the open burning of municipal solid waste and biomass, the order calls for providing electric heaters to staff working in security, sanitation, and horticulture. Schools must also implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and encourage the use of public transport.
The plan includes awareness activities such as anti-firecracker campaigns between October and November 2026. Other scheduled events include air pollution programmes in November, dust-control awareness in December, and noise pollution activities in January 2027.
Schools are instructed to discuss pollution mitigation during parent-teacher and school management committee meetings from October 2026 to January 2027. The campaign will conclude in February 2027 with activities focused on clean and green surroundings.
To ensure accountability, heads of schools must submit monthly compliance reports via a Google Sheet by the last day of every month.