Schools in Delhi shut today due to toxic air? GRAP-IV kicks in as Delhi AQI turns ‘severe+’
Delhi and its adjoining areas woke up on Monday to dangerously poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging into the ‘severe’ and ‘severe plus’ categories, prompting authorities to activate Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region.
The sharp deterioration in air quality has led to a surge in health complaints, including shortness of breath, burning eyes, sore throat, and chest discomfort, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Several monitoring stations in the capital recorded AQI levels above 450, placing Delhi in the highest risk bracket.
Amid the worsening situation, concerns grew among parents and students over whether schools would be closed today due to pollution. However, as of now, no official announcement has been made regarding a complete shutdown of schools in the city.
Under GRAP Stage IV, the Delhi Directorate of Education has directed all schools to conduct classes in hybrid or online mode for students from Nursery to Class IX and Class XI.
At the same time, Class X has been exempted from the directive. Outdoor activities and physical education classes have been suspended as a precautionary measure.
In its order, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) stated that GRAP-IV has been invoked “with immediate effect” across NCR to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
The measures include a complete ban on construction activities, restrictions on polluting industries, operational limits on coal-based power plants, intensified dust control, and stricter monitoring of biomass burning. Traffic curbs, including the possible enforcement of odd-even norms, remain under consideration.
The Delhi government has also directed all government and private offices to function at 50 per cent physical capacity, with the remaining staff working from home. Administrative secretaries and department heads have been instructed to attend the office regularly.
Essential and emergency services — including hospitals, fire services, public transport, electricity, water and sanitation services, disaster management units and pollution control agencies — have been exempted from the restrictions.
With pollution levels showing little sign of immediate improvement, many parents are urging authorities to consider temporary school closures or early winter vacations if conditions persist. At present, officials say the situation is being closely monitored, and any further decisions will depend on AQI trends and weather conditions.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP-IV
- Schools (Nursery to Class XI) to operate in hybrid or online mode, except Class X
- All construction activities banned across Delhi-NCR
- Polluting industries restricted, with strict compliance checks
- Coal-based power plants to face operational limitations
- Traffic curbs likely, including the possible enforcement of odd-even norms
- Dust control measures intensified, especially at roads and construction sites
- Strict monitoring of biomass burning and waste-related emissions