in Delhi-NCR Air pollution is increasing once again. Keeping in mind the health of school children, the Delhi government has decided to keep all primary schools closed. In the next order, these schools can be shifted to online classes.
In fact, in view of the smog and deterioration in air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the guidelines of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-III have been implemented in Delhi-NCR from Friday (15 November 2024). Today i.e. on Thursday morning, 14th November, Delhi’s AQI reached 428, which has come in the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.
Schools up to class 5 closed in Delhi
Phase 3 of GRAP is implemented when the air quality index (AQI) reaches “severe” levels, recommending a shift to online classes for students up to Class 5. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has announced the closure of primary schools.
He wrote in his ‘X’ post, ‘Due to increasing pollution levels, all primary schools of Delhi will start online classes till further instructions.’ That means there will be no physical classes in primary schools.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR has been divided into four different phases of adverse air quality in Delhi-
Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300)
Stage II – ‘Very poor’ (AQI 301-400)
Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450)
Stage IV – ‘Extremely Severe’ (AQI >450)
What will happen during GRAP 3?
There will be a ban on construction and demolition, all non-essential mining activities will be suspended. There will be a ban on non-electric, non-CNG and non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses. Primary schools may shift to online classes and water sprinkling will be increased on major roads.
