Hybrid mode back at Delhi schools for students till Class 5 as GRAP-3 comes into effect

The GRAP-3 restrictions were imposed on Tuesday, following a sharp deterioration of the air quality in Delhi from from the ‘very poor’ to the ‘severe’ category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Delhi-NCR Pollution: A policeman wearing a mask directs traffic in Gurugram.

Delhi pollution: The Delhi government directs schools to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class 5 in view of the spike in air pollution levels. The decision follows the imposition of GRAP-3 restrictions in the national capital on Tuesday.

The GRAP-3 restrictions were imposed on Tuesday, following a sharp deterioration of the air quality in Delhi from from the ‘very poor’ to the ‘severe’ category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

What are GRAP-3 restrictions?

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the CAQM said that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 362 on November 10, spiked to 425 by 9 am on November 11. The rise was attributed to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and adverse weather conditions.

“Considering the ongoing trend in air quality and to prevent further decline, the sub-committee has decided to implement all measures under Stage III of GRAP – ‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI between 401 and 450) – with immediate effect across the NCR,” the statement added.

Restrictions under Stage III

Complete ban on dust-generating construction and demolition activities, such as:

Demolition work
Excavation or earthwork for laying sewer, water, drainage, or electrical lines
Brick or masonry work
Major welding and gas-cutting operations
Painting, cementing, plastering, or coating work
Tile cutting, grinding, and fixing
Waterproofing and road repair or construction work
Loading, unloading, or transfer of dust-generating materials
Movement of vehicles carrying construction materials on unpaved roads
Transportation of demolition waste

Vehicle restrictions

Restrictions have been imposed on the type and make of vehicles plying Delhi roads as well.

Ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar
Ban on Delhi-registered diesel medium goods vehicles of BS-III standard or lower
Ban on entry of diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) of BS-III or below, registered outside Delhi
Only electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel inter-state buses from NCR states will be allowed into Delhi, except for All India Tourist Permit buses and tempo travellers

Other measures

NCR and Delhi governments to consider shifting classes up to Grade V to online mode
Intensification of mechanised road sweeping
Strengthening of public transport through differential fare systems
Closure of all stone crushers and mining operations across NCR

These steps have been taken to curb further deterioration in air quality and to safeguard public health amid worsening pollution levels.

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Delhi air pollution