Delhi schools to go hybrid till Class 5 as govt imposes GRAP III

Delhi Grap 3 Restrictions: The central government on Tuesday invoked stricter anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the city’s air quality slipped into the ‘severe’ category.

A tanker sprays water on a Delhi road (Express Photo-Praveen Khanna)

Delhi Pollution School News: The Delhi government has directed schools to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class 5, allowing parents the option to switch to online learning, in view of the worsening air quality in the national capital.

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The move comes after the Centre enforced Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Tuesday, following a sharp rise in pollution levels across Delhi-NCR.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning — a jump that pushed the city into the ‘severe’ pollution category.

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Officials attributed the spike to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and weather conditions that trapped pollutants near the surface.

With the implementation of GRAP Stage III, several restrictions have come into effect across the capital and adjoining regions. These include a ban on non-essential construction work, the closure of stone crushers and mining activities, and curbs on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts. However, persons with disabilities are exempt from the vehicle restrictions.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly young children and the elderly, to minimize outdoor exposure as pollution levels continue to remain at hazardous levels. Schools have been instructed to monitor the situation closely and adjust class schedules as per air quality advisories issued by the Delhi government.