New Delhi: With the worsening air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), and the implementation of the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Delhi Government directed all primary schools to shift classes to online mode until further notice.
Issuing an order, the Directorate of Education directed all heads of Government, Government-Aided, and Unaided Private Recognized Schools under the Directorate of Education (DoE), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) to discontinue physical classes for children up to Class V.
The heads of these schools were instructed to ensure that classes are conducted online for students in these grades until further notice. They were also advised to immediately inform parents of the affected students.
“The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas has decided that because of the AQI in Delhi and NCR ranging between 401-450, all measures as envisaged under Stage-III of the GRAP—'Severe' Air Quality—will be implemented with effect from 8:00 AM on November 15, 2024, in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the poor air quality in the city,” the DoE stated in its order.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi tweeted, “Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes until further directions.”
11-point action plan under GRAP III
The 11-point action plan under Stage III of GRAP includes the intensification of mechanized road sweeping, daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants before peak traffic hours on roads and rights-of-way, especially in hotspots and high-traffic corridors, and proper disposal of collected dust at designated sites or landfills.
Public transport services will be further intensified, and differential rates may be introduced to encourage off-peak travel. A strict ban on certain categories of dust-generating and air pollution-causing construction and demolition activities will also be enforced across NCR.
CAQM also appealed to NCR citizens to cooperate in implementing GRAP and advised them to walk or use bicycles for short distances, choose cleaner commutes, share rides, or use public transport. Those in positions allowing work-from-home options are encouraged to do so.
People should avoid using coal and wood for heating, and individual homeowners may consider providing electric heaters for security staff to prevent open burning. It was also advised to combine errands and reduce the number of trips, the committee advised.