Schools for classes VI-IX, XI in Delhi-NCR to shift to hybrid mode under GRAP stage 4
GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi: Hybrid Mode Classes for Students of VI-IX, XI in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad & Noida Read more about it here.
In response to alarming air quality levels, the Delhi government has announced a shift to hybrid mode for schools catering to students in Classes VI-IX and XI across Delhi and the NCR region, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida. This decision follows the imposition of Stage-IV (‘Severe+’) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management, effective immediately on Monday.
Under the new guidelines, all classes up to Class V will also operate in hybrid mode. Students and parents will have the option to choose online education where available. Authorities have urged students and parents to stay in touch with their respective schools for further updates as the city grapples with severely poor air quality. The circular specified that online learning should be implemented wherever feasible until further notice.
Delhi/NCR AQI dips
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the implementation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with an immediate effect. This decision comes in response to extremely unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and a very low mixing height, which have led to a significant deterioration in air quality. As a result, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has escalated to the higher end of the ‘Very Poor’ category. The revised GRAP schedule, issued on December 13, 2024, now mandates stricter measures to combat the pollution levels in the region.
What was said in the official order?
Earlier, an official order stated, "Considering the highly unfavorable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and very low mixing height, which have caused the AQI of Delhi to reach the higher end of the very poor category, the panel's sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan has decided to impose Stage 3 of the revised GRAP schedule (issued on Friday) in the entire NCR, with immediate effect."
According to the reports, Delhi's AQI stood at 362 at 2 pm. Due to a dip in the AQI, the centre's air quality panel invoked restrictive measures under stage three of the air pollution control plan.
The decision comes after Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) surged, reaching 399 by 9 pm and breaching the 400 mark by 10 pm on Monday night.
During winters, Delhi frequently enforces restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which categorises air quality into four stages -- Stage I (Poor) with AQI between 201 and 300, Stage II (Very Poor) between 301 and 400, Stage III (Severe) between 401 and 450, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) for AQI above 450.