India, Nov. 14 -- In view of the deteriorating air quality across the district, Gurugram deputy commissioner (DC) Ajay Kumar and Faridabad DC Vikram Yadav issued an order on Thursday, directing all schools to conduct classes up to Grade 5 in hybrid mode, both online and offline. The decision, officials said, has been taken to safeguard children's health amid rising pollution in the district.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the district today was recorded at 300, placing it in the "poor" category, with PM 2.5 identified as the dominant pollutant. Meanwhile, Faridabad also registered 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 288, according to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

As per the order, parents will have the discret...