Delhi air quality worsens: Will schools shift to hybrid mode under GRAP Stage III?
Delhi’s air quality has hit alarming levels, forcing authorities to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Tuesday after the AQI surged from 362 on Monday to 425 by 9 A.M. Calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and cold weather trapped pollutants near the surface, triggering a public health crisis, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).Out of 39 monitoring stations, 34 recorded ‘severe’ levels, with Bawana (462), Wazirpur (460), and Punjabi Bagh (452) among the worst-hit areas. Citizens are reporting breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other respiratory issues as Delhi-NCR grapples with another hazardous pollution spike.
Will schools and colleges be closed for Grap Stage III?
With Stage III restrictions in effect, authorities are now considering whether to close schools, colleges, and coaching centres, or shift classes up to Grade 5 to hybrid mode, giving students and parents the choice between online and offline learning. Last year, similar measures were taken on November 13 when GRAP Stage III was enforced. However, no formal notification has yet been issued for 2025.
What does Stage III of GRAP actually enforce?
GRAP, a multi-stage pollution control plan, kicks in during winters to curb emissions in Delhi-NCR. Stage III (Severe; AQI 401–450) imposes strict restrictions:
- Ban on non-essential construction and demolition, excluding critical projects like healthcare, metro, railways, and defense.
- Shutdown of industries and brick kilns not using approved clean fuels.
- Restrictions on diesel generators for non-emergency use.
- Older vehicles banned, including BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers.
- Enhanced dust control measures, including mechanized sweeping and frequent water sprinkling.
- Ban on open waste burning.
- Work-from-home advisories for government and private offices to reduce vehicular emissions.
Experts warn these steps are crucial to prevent escalation to Stage IV (Severe Plus; AQI above 450), which could lead to near-total halts in construction and heavy vehicular movement.
