The restrictions under GRAP-III have been reimposed in Delhi as the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 'very poor' category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said on Monday.
The schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida have been shifted back to hybrid mode for students till 5th standard in view of the GRAP III recommendations.
"Considering the highly unfavourable meteorological conditions including calm winds and very low mixing height leading the AQI of Delhi into the higher end of 'Very Poor' Category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to impose Stage-III of the revised GRAP schedule issued on 13.12.2024 in the entire NCR, with immediate effect," the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said. The Delhi's AQI stood at 367 at 2 pm.
The students and parents will have the option to choose online education wherever it is available. The Stage 3 restrictions also entails a ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards within Delhi.
The Delhi and NCR state governments have also been directed to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies under stage III. The central government may also decide on similar staggered timings for central government offices in Delhi-NCR.
The city's air remains under poor air quality, caused by unfavourable weather conditions, during winter months from November to January.