Schools in the Delhi NCR region will transition to a hybrid learning model for students up to Class 5, following the guidelines of GRAP Stage III. This choice has been determined by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) due to “significantly adverse weather conditions, including stagnant winds and low mixing height, which have severely impacted the air quality in the area. ”
According to the GRAP-III regulations, schools in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar will have the choice to offer online classes for younger students. Parents and students are allowed to decide between in-person or online classes based on local directives.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) noted a reading of 367 at 2 PM, which is categorized as poor. Such weather conditions commonly occur due to adverse atmospheric conditions, a frequent concern during the months of November to January.
Due to the extremely unfavorable environmental conditions, including stagnant winds and significantly low mixing heights, leading Delhi’s AQI into the higher range of the very poor category, the panel’s sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan has resolved to implement stage 3 of the newly updated GRAP schedule (issued on Friday) across the entire NCR without delay,” the official statement revealed.
Stage III of GRAP prohibits several activities throughout the NCR, such as construction and demolition activities, mining operations, and the operation of stone crushers. Moreover, petrol BS III and light motor vehicles BS IV diesel vehicles are banned in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Also Read: Delhi-NCR Schools Permitted Hybrid Classes Amid Air Quality Concerns
Nonetheless, under GRAP-III, specific construction activities are exempt, including those related to railways, metro stations, airports, national security, hospitals, sanitation, and linear public infrastructure such as highways, roads, and pipelines. Additionally, there are construction tasks that do not produce dust, like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry connected to a construction project.
