With Stage IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)coming into force in Delhi on Saturday, schools will shift to a hybrid mode of classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11 due to worsening air quality.
In a circular issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education(DDE), all schools were instructed to conduct classes for these grades in both physical and online modes, wherever online classes are feasible. The decision follows the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) move to invoke GRAP 4 with immediate effect after the city’s air quality slipped into the ‘severe’ category.
The DDE circular dated December 13 said that heads of all government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education, NDMC, MCDand the Delhi Cantonment Board must implement the hybrid system until further orders. It also clarified that students and their parents or guardians can choose the online option wherever it is available, and schools have been asked to inform families about the change immediately.
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Under GRAP 4, all restrictions imposed at Stage 3 will continue, along with additional curbs to control pollution. These include a complete ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or providing essential services. However, LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed to enter the city.
Delhi AQI remains in ‘severe’ category
Delhi’s air qualityremained firmly in the ‘severe’ category, with several monitoring stations recording AQI levels close to the maximum limit of 500, underscoring the deepening pollution crisis across the national capital, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As of 5:30 am on Sunday, Rohini emerged as the most polluted area with an AQI of 499, closely followed by Bawana at 498, DTU and Jahangirpuri at 496 each and Vivek Vihar at 495. In contrast, Lodhi Road recorded the lowest AQI among reporting stations at 400, though it still fell within the ‘severe’ category, highlighting that no part of the city was spared from hazardous air conditions.
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The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has warned that air quality is likely to remain ‘severe’, though some improvement to the ‘poor’ category is possible by Monday.
Area-wise AQI levels
East Delhi continued to battle severe pollution, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 491, Patparganj at 488 and Vivek Vihar close behind at 495. Sonia Vihar and ITO also reported alarming levels of 479 and 485 respectively, reinforcing concerns over traffic-related emissions and regional pollution build-up in these corridors. |
