Delhi: GRAP-IV kicks in across NCR amid rising air pollution concerns

New Delhi: In response to alarming air quality levels, the Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management decided to impose Stage-IV (‘Severe+’) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region, effective immediately on Monday.

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.

The rise in AQI levels is attributed to highly unfavourable meteorological conditions, including near-calm winds, which have contributed to the accumulation of pollutants in the air. Due to the worsening air quality and its potential impact on public health, the CAQM Sub-Committee convened an emergency meeting to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) on Monday directed all school administrations to conduct classes for students up to Class V in hybrid mode.

In a circular, the DoE stated, "All heads of government, government-aided, unaided recognised private schools of DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes for students up to Class V in a 'hybrid mode,' wherever online learning is feasible, with immediate effect until further orders.

Classes for students in grades VI-IX and XI in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida will also be held in hybrid mode.

Previously, all schools in the national capital switched to hybrid mode on November 25, with in-person classes resuming on December 5.