Delhi's Primary Schools Shut, Online Classes Back As City Battles Thick Smog Cover

New Delhi: All primary schools in Delhi will shift to online classes in view of rising air pollution till furr directions from government, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi informed on Thursday. national capital has seen a sudden surge in air pollution leing to an alarming rise in smog level and deteriorating air quality in last two days.

Delhi government order on closure of schools res, “...All Hes of Govt., Govt. Aided and Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Directorate of Education (DoE), MCD, NDMC & DCB in Delhi are directed to discontinue physical classes in schools for children up to Class V. Hes of Schools are hereby directed to ensure classes in online mode for students of se classes till furr orders.”

Meanwhile, Delhi Metro in view of implementation of GRAP-III from 8 AM tomorrow, 20 extra trips (in dition to 40 alrey in place since GRAP-II was implemented) will be inducted into services on weekdays starting tomorrow. Thus, 60 extra trips will be preformed by Delhi Metro on weekdays till GRAP-III remains in place.

Change in wind direction puts Delhi under thick cover of smog, triggers GRAP stage 3

With air quality index (AQI) in Delhi worsening and hovering in severe category, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked stage three of anti-pollution plan GRAP.

GRAP stage 3 involved a complete halt on construction and demolition work except for essential government projects, mining and stone crushing and aban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and surrounding areas.

Gred Response Action Plan (GRAP) for National Capital Region (NCR) is classified under four different stages of verse air quality in Delhi: Stage I -- 'poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II -- 'very poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III -- 'severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV -- 'severe plus' (AQI >450).

CAQM Sub-Committee, after an urgent review meeting on November 14, noted that since November 13, AQI in Delhi h remained firmly in "Severe" range, with forecasts indicating that it could stay at higher end of "Very Poor" category in coming days.

" Sub-Committee decided that ALL actions as envisaged under Stage III of GRAP-'Severe' Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450) be implemented in right earnest by all agencies concerned in NCR, in dition to Stage-I and II actions alrey in force, from 8:OO A.M. of 15th November, 2o24 in National Capital Region (NCR)," CAQM order re.

This year, Stage III has been invoked much later than in 2023, when it was activated on November 2nd. action plan, effective across entire NCR, will supplement ongoing Stage-I and Stage-II measures alrey in place.

11-point action plan under Stage III includes increased ro sweeping, intensified water sprinkling with dust suppressants in high-traffic areas, and enhanced public transport services with differential pricing to encourage off-peak travel.

ditionally, a strict ban has been imposed on dust-generating construction and demolition activities, with only essential projects related to national security, healthcare, and public infrastructure allowed to continue under strict environmental controls.

Polluting industries, including stone crushers and mining operations, will be shut down, and re will be restrictions on movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and neighbouring districts.

Interstate buses not meeting environmental standards will also be barred from entering city. Authorities are also considering switching to online classes for children up to Class V to reduce exposure to harmful air quality.

CAQM has urged citizens to follow guidelines under Stage III, including choosing cleaner modes of transport, working from home when possible, and avoiding use of coal and wood for heating. CAQM appealed for public cooperation in ensuring successful implementation of se measures to reduce health risks posed by severe pollution in region.

A dense layer of smog enveloped national capital as pollution levels continued to rise. AQI level in Delhi at 1 pm was 425, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

With inputs from ANI