Delhi-NCR Schools May Shut Down as AQI Hits 'Severe' Category, GRAP 4 Imposed
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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR due to the deteriorating air quality. The capital's air quality index (AQI) reached a staggering 400 on Saturday, just one point shy of the 'severe' category. The neighboring cities of Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram also experienced 'very poor' AQI levels. As the situation worsened, a senior CAQM official stated that the AQI in Delhi increased sharply from 400 at 4 PM to 428 at 8 PM due to unfavorable weather and meteorological conditions. In response, the authorities have decided to proactively implement Stage-IV measures to prevent further air quality deterioration. Schools in Delhi and the surrounding areas were already closed due to a severe cold wave and dense fog earlier this week. However, with the imposition of GRAP-4, there is a possibility that physical classes may be suspended for higher standards, and online lessons may be conducted instead. The classes for students up to Grade 5 will likely be shifted to a 'hybrid mode' in Delhi and nearby districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Under GRAP-4, state governments in Delhi-NCR are advised to consider emergency measures, including the closure of colleges, educational institutions, and non-essential commercial activities. However, an official statement from the local authorities is still pending, and it remains to be seen whether schools will indeed be closed on Monday.
