New Delhi : As pollution levels soar in the national capital, Chief Minister Atishi announced that all primary schools in Delhi will move to online learning until further notice. This decision comes in response to severe air quality, which remains in the ‘severe’ category for a second consecutive day. The central pollution authority, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has now activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR.
“Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions,” Atishi shared on social media platform X. The GRAP Stage III measures, aimed at mitigating health risks, include online classes for students up to Class 5 to reduce their exposure to hazardous air quality.
Understanding GRAP Measures
The GRAP, structured to tackle varying levels of pollution, is divided into four stages based on the Air Quality Index (AQI):
- Stage I (Poor) – AQI 201-300
- Stage II (Very Poor) – AQI 301-400
- Stage III (Severe) – AQI 401-450
- Stage IV (Severe Plus) – AQI above 450
The measures come as Delhi’s air quality hovers in the ‘severe’ range (AQI 401-450), putting citizens, particularly children, at heightened health risk. CAQM has advised citizens to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions as the restrictions come into effect starting Friday.
