Delhi Schools To Go Hybrid As City Records Worst Air Quality, GRAP-3 Comes Into Effect
The central government on Tuesday implemented stricter anti-pollution measures across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) by activating Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Delhi Pollution: The Delhi government has instructed schools to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class 5 amid rising air pollution levels. The move comes following the enforcement of GRAP-3 restrictions in the national capital on Tuesday.
Under the new directive, schools have been asked to conduct classes both online and offline to limit children’s exposure to the toxic air. The move is aimed at safeguarding younger students, who are considered more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses caused by pollution.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the ‘severe’ category, prompting authorities to activate additional emergency measures under GRAP-3. These include a ban on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on the use of diesel generator sets, and tighter checks on vehicular emissions.
The central government on Tuesday implemented stricter anti-pollution measures across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) by activating Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The move follows a sharp deterioration in the city’s air quality, which entered the ‘severe’ category.
Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply
The decision by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) came after Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked from 362 (‘Very Poor’) on Monday to a hazardous 425 (‘Severe’) on Tuesday morning. According to CAQM, the rapid increase was caused by unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and a stable atmosphere, which allowed pollutants to accumulate near the surface.
Major Restrictions Under Stage III
With the enforcement of Stage III, several new curbs have been added to those already in place under Stages I and II of GRAP.
Construction Ban: All non-essential construction and demolition activities have been prohibited across Delhi-NCR. This includes the suspension of stone crushing units and mining operations.
Vehicular Restrictions: The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has been restricted in Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts. However, persons with disabilities are exempt from this rule.
Education: Schools have been directed to shift classes up to Class 5 to hybrid mode, allowing parents to opt for online classes for their children to limit exposure to toxic air.
GRAP Framework and Pollution Drivers
GRAP, introduced as a graded emergency response mechanism, classifies air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201–300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301–400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401–450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Experts attribute Delhi’s worsening winter air quality to a combination of factors, including stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, the use of firecrackers, and other local pollution sources.
Authorities have stated that Stage III restrictions will remain in force until there is a consistent improvement in air quality across the region.
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