GRAP-IV: Online Classes for ALL except for Class 10, 12 in Delhi Schools

Physical classes for all students up to Class 9 would be suspended from November 18, following the implementation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Delhi Air Pollution: Amid a severe air quality crisis in the national capital, Chief Minister Atishi on Sunday declared that physical classes for all students up to class 9 would be suspended from Monday, following the implementation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision comes as Delhi grapples with worsening air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels.

Online Classes for all except Class 10, 12

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Chief Minister Atishi confirmed the suspension of in-person education for students from nursery through class 9, effective Monday. However, she clarified that physical classes for Class 10 and 12 students will continue as usual. All schools across the capital will switch to online classes until further notice.

“ With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tomorrow, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders, ” Atishi wrote.

Delhi's Air Quality Worsens; AQI Hits 'Severe Plus' Category   

As of Sunday evening, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, with the AQI reaching an alarming 457 by 7 pm, placing the capital in the “severe plus” category. The health advisory issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) warns of serious health risks for residents, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. Authorities have urged people to avoid outdoor activities and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure.

GRAP-4 Guidelines: Stringent Measures to Combat Pollution   

With the imposition of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), several stringent measures are now in place to curb pollution levels in Delhi and the NCR region. Under GRAP-4, an 8-point action plan has been activated, which includes a ban on certain vehicles and restrictions on industrial activities.

Key provisions under GRAP-4 include:

-  Ban on Diesel Vehicles:  Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below) are banned, with exceptions made only for those carrying essential goods.

-  Restrictions on Non-Essential Commercial Vehicles:  Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they run on cleaner fuels like CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric vehicles.

-  Truck Restrictions:  Trucks carrying non-essential goods will also be barred from entering Delhi unless they operate on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.

-  Online Classes for Certain Grades:  The CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) panel had previously recommended shifting classes 6 to 9 and class 11 to online mode in light of the pollution levels.

Additionally, offices across the National Capital Region (NCR) have been advised to operate at 50% capacity, with employees working from home to reduce exposure to the hazardous air.

Air Pollution Causes and Major Pollutants   

The worsening air quality in Delhi is attributed to multiple factors. On Sunday, vehicle emissions contributed to 15.8% of the total pollution. Stubble burning, a perennial issue during the winter months, accounted for 25% of the pollution levels. The predominant air pollutant remains  PM2.5 , fine particulate matter that poses serious health risks when inhaled.

Environmental experts have warned that the situation may worsen in the coming days unless urgent measures are taken to address the sources of pollution, especially crop burning in nearby states and vehicular emissions within the city.

Delhi Air Pollution Crisis

The continued deterioration of air quality in Delhi is placing increasing pressure on the city's public health systems, with hospitals reporting a surge in cases of respiratory distress. The rising pollution levels have also prompted growing concerns about the long-term effects on children's health, especially with school closures now in effect for many students.

As the capital city battles one of its worst pollution crises in years, authorities have vowed to take further steps to improve air quality, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. For now, residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activities, and use air purifiers to mitigate the effects of the toxic air.

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