New Delhi: Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, several Delhi University colleges have announced a shift to online classes and campus closures over the coming days.While some colleges cited rising pollution levels and compliance with air quality management directives, others said the move was aimed at discouraging the use of firecrackers on campus during the festive season.Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, in a notice issued on Nov 6, said classes on Nov 7 and Nov 10 may be conducted online in view of the “alarming rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI) across the National Capital Region (NCR)” and the latest directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and Delhi govt under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The college will remain closed on Nov 9. However, pre-scheduled class tests will be conducted offline on Nov 7 and Nov 10.Janki Devi Memorial College has also declared a holiday on Nov 9 and shifted classes online on Nov 10, citing deteriorating AQI levels and compliance with recent CAQM and Delhi govt directions.Meanwhile, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College has announced online classes on Nov 6 and Nov 7, citing the need to prevent the use of firecrackers and ensure a safe and healthy campus environment. The college has also advised students against bursting or using firecrackers within its premises.Other colleges that have issued advisories or revised schedules include Mata Sundri College, Bharati College, Ram Lal Anand College, Lakshmibai College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and PGDAV College (Evening).The decision comes as Delhi continues to grapple with worsening air quality, prompting educational institutions to adopt precautionary measures to minimise students’ exposure to pollution and ensure compliance with environmental guidelines.