Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Sunday that physical classes will be suspended for all students except those in Classes 10 and 12. The decision follows the implementation of Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, effective Monday.
In a post on X, CM Atishi wrote, “With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tmrw, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.”
Meeting to Ensure Implementation of GRAP-IV
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will convene a meeting with the Heads of Departments (HoDs) of all relevant agencies on Monday at 12 noon at the Delhi Secretariat. This meeting aims to ensure the effective implementation of GRAP-IV measures, his office stated.
Alarming Air Quality Triggers Action
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-IV of GRAP after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 441 by 4 PM on Sunday and further worsened to 457 by 7 PM, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This “Severe+” category prompted an emergency meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee.
“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality in NCR, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of GRAP,” the CAQM said in a statement.
GRAP Classification and Measures
The GRAP framework categorizes air quality into four stages:
Stage I – Poor (AQI 201-300)
Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301-400)
Stage III – Severe (AQI 401-450)
Stage IV – Severe+ (AQI > 450)
Stage-IV measures include an 8-point action plan to mitigate the pollution crisis:
Ban on Truck Entry: Non-essential trucks are barred from entering Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or services. LNG/CNG/electric and BS-VI diesel trucks are exempted.
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Restrictions: LCVs registered outside Delhi, except those powered by electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines, are prohibited.
Diesel Vehicle Ban: Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles are restricted, except those carrying essential services.
Construction Ban: A ban on all construction and demolition activities extends to public infrastructure projects like highways, roads, flyovers, and power lines.
Additional Public Measures
State governments and the Government of Delhi (GNCTD) have been advised to:
Shift physical classes for grades VI-IX and XI to online mode.
Limit office attendance to 50% and implement work-from-home for remaining staff.
Consider emergency measures, such as closing colleges, shutting non-essential commercial activities, and adopting an odd-even vehicle policy.
The CAQM also urged citizens to adhere to these measures, particularly advising vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, to stay indoors as much as possible.
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Ongoing Monitoring
The CAQM emphasized it will closely monitor the air quality situation and review measures as needed to ensure public safety and mitigate the pollution crisis.