Schools closed: Air pollution once again suffocates Delhi-NCR. Keeping in mind the health of schoolchildren, the Delhi government has decided to keep all primary schools closed. Online education can be done in these schools.
In fact, in view of the haze and deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III guidelines were implemented in Delhi-NCR at starting Friday (November 15, 2024). Today, November 14, Delhi’s AQI reached 428 on Thursday morning, which has entered the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.
Schools up to 5th class 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 to keep closed primary schools.
He wrote in his ‘X’ post: “Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will start online classes until further instructions.” That means there will be no physical classes in primary schools.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR is divided into four different phases of adverse air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Stage I – ‘Poor’ (ICA 201-300)
Stage II – ‘Very poor’ (ICA 301-400)
Stage III – ‘Severe’ (ICA 401-450)
Stage IV: ‘Very severe’ (AQI >450)
What will happen during Grape 3?
Construction and demolition will stop and all non-essential mining activities will be suspended. There will be a ban on non-electric, non-CNG and non-diesel BS-VI interstate buses. Primary schools can move to online classes and water irrigation will be increased on main roads.
