Delhi schools return to hybrid classes for students till Class 5
GRAP-3 restrictions were enforced Tuesday after Delhi’s air quality worsened from ‘very poor’ to ‘severe,’ triggering emergency measures.
New Delhi: Amid worsening air pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has directed schools to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class 5. The move comes after authorities imposed Stage III (GRAP-3) restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan on Tuesday, following a sharp and worrying spike in the city’s air quality index.
Officials said the decision aims to protect young children, who are among the most vulnerable to toxic air exposure. Schools have been asked to shift to a mix of online and offline learning until further notice, depending on local air quality conditions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated GRAP-3 measures after Delhi’s air quality slipped from the “very poor” to the “severe” category within a day. According to the CAQM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi rose dramatically — from 362 on November 10 to 425 by 9 am on November 11. The rise was attributed to calm winds, stagnant air, and unfavorable weather conditions that have trapped pollutants close to the ground.
In a statement issued Tuesday morning, the CAQM said, “Considering the ongoing trend in air quality and to prevent further decline, the sub-committee has decided to implement all measures under Stage III of GRAP — ‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI between 401 and 450) — with immediate effect across the NCR.”
What are GRAP-3 restrictions?
Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan involves a range of emergency steps to curb emissions and limit public exposure to toxic air. These include a ban on non-essential construction activities, restrictions on the use of diesel generators, and intensified checks on vehicular emissions. Authorities have also increased the frequency of road cleaning and sprinkling of water to settle dust.
Industries using polluting fuels are being closely monitored, and trucks carrying non-essential goods are being restricted from entering Delhi.
Officials said the situation is being reviewed continuously, and additional steps — including a shift to GRAP-4 measures — could be taken if the air quality continues to worsen.