Delhi AQI 'severe': GRAP-4 reimposed. Are schools closed? What advisory said

The order applies to all government and private schools across all boards.

Published on: Jan 16, 2025, 09:55:06 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) on Wednesday directed all schools to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and that of Class 11 after curbs under stage four of the Graded Response Action Plan were invoked in the national capital amid a sharp dip in air quality.

School students wait for transport amid dense morning fog (PTI)

Calm winds, low temperatures and foggy conditions allowed the accumulation of pollutants in the region, with the air quality index soaring from 275 on Tuesday to 396 at 6 pm on Wednesday.

The order applies to all government and private schools across all boards.

The order stated, "All Heads of Schools of Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX & XI in a 'Hybrid Mode' i.e., both in physical and online mode."

Also Read: Delhi weather today: Rain lashes NCR, IMD predicts more showers; 29 trains delayed due to dense fog

Also Read: Delhi’s air quality plummets, Grap 3 and 4 back on

AQI, as per GRAP regulations, is categorised into four stages – Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Under stage 4 restrictions, all construction activities are banned as well as the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi.

Also Read: Delhi Weather and AQI Today: Check weather forecast for January 16, 2025

Earlier in November, schools in Delhi-NCR had been shifted entirely online due to high levels of air pollution. However, an order by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made it compulsory for schools to keep an option for ‘hybrid mode’ since fully online classes were not a feasible solution.

Delhi weather

Delhi's air quality index worsened on Thursday, with several regions having an AQI above 400 putting it in the ‘severe’ category. The national capital is also facing dense fog as well as light rain throughout the week.

The IMD has predicted a yellow alert across all regions of Delhi, with overcast skies, light rain, smog, and shallow fog in the morning hours, forecasted until Sunday.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.