Delhi-NCR has once again moved into a phase of strict pollution-control measures after the region’s air quality dropped sharply. With the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III now activated, the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has directed schools up to Class 5 to shift to hybrid learning. This means that classes will now be conducted both in physical classrooms and online, depending on what is possible for each school and student.
The official order states that all government, government-aided, and private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board must begin hybrid teaching immediately. The instructions will remain in place until further orders. The notification also clarifies that online classes should be offered wherever the schools have the required infrastructure and where families prefer that option.
This move comes as air quality in Delhi and its surrounding NCR districts slipped into the “severe” category. Authorities have warned that the current pollution levels are harmful to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems. Because younger children are particularly vulnerable to toxic air, the decision to move Classes up to V to hybrid mode has been taken as a safety precaution.
The Centre on Tuesday introduced stronger anti-pollution measures under GRAP Stage III. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi rose from 362 on Monday to an alarming 425 by Tuesday morning. Officials explained that this sudden spike happened due to calm winds, stable atmospheric conditions, and winter weather that prevented pollutants from dispersing. As a result, smoke, dust, and harmful particles remained trapped close to the ground.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said such severe pollution levels require immediate action to prevent further deterioration. GRAP is a set of rules that get activated in stages, depending on how polluted the air becomes. Stage I is enforced when the AQI reaches the “poor’’ category, Stage II for “very poor’’, Stage III for “severe”, and Stage IV for “severe plus’’. Since the AQI in Delhi has already crossed 400, Stage III restrictions have been imposed.
One of the major measures under GRAP Stage III is reducing the use of pollution-causing vehicles in Delhi. To achieve this, all inter-state buses entering the capital from nearby NCR areas must now run only on CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel engines. Older diesel buses, which release more pollutants, have been banned temporarily. This rule applies only to buses entering Delhi; buses leaving Delhi will not be affected.
Construction and demolition have also been halted under Stage III. These activities generate high levels of dust, which worsen the pollution problem. Businesses involved in mining or similar work must suspend their operations until the air quality improves. The government has also instructed agencies to sprinkle water daily on major roads to stop dust from rising into the air.
ALSO READ: Understanding hypotension: Signs, reasons, and when it becomes serious
ALSO READ: India’s love for sugary chai continues even as diabetes cases climb
Several important rules have come into effect along with the shift to hybrid learning in schools. These restrictions aim to reduce emissions and bring down pollution levels as quickly as possible.
1. Ban on non-essential construction
All non-essential construction activities are prohibited. Only emergency projects such as railway work, metro expansion, or essential public services are allowed to continue. This step is considered one of the most effective ways to control dust pollution in urban areas.
2. Classes up to Class V to move online or hybrid
The DoE has confirmed that schools must offer either full online classes or hybrid classes for students up to Class V. Parents can choose the option that works best for their children. Younger children are more likely to face breathing troubles during severe pollution, so reducing their exposure to outdoor air has become necessary.
3. Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars
Under Stage III, BS-III petrol cars and BS-IV diesel cars are not allowed on Delhi roads. This rule also applies to surrounding NCR districts. Vehicles carrying people with disabilities are exempt from this restriction.
4. Ban on older diesel goods vehicles
Medium goods vehicles running on diesel and falling under BS-IV or earlier standards cannot enter Delhi. These vehicles release a high amount of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which significantly worsen winter smog.
5. Daily water sprinkling on roads
Municipal bodies have been instructed to sprinkle water on major roads every day to prevent dust from becoming airborne. Mechanical sweeping machines are also being used more frequently to keep roads clean.
The GRAP guidelines are designed to protect public health during periods of extreme pollution. As temperatures drop and wind speeds decline during winter, Delhi-NCR regularly faces hazardous air quality. Officials believe that strict measures, combined with public cooperation, can help control the situation until weather conditions improve.
With the implementation of Stage III restrictions, authorities hope that a few days of strict action will bring down pollution levels. Schools, parents, and students are expected to adapt to hybrid learning just as they did during previous pollution episodes. For now, officials have urged residents to stay indoors as much as possible, use air purifiers if available, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities until air quality begins to improve.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash