Delhi Shifts Primary Schools Online, Increases Metro Services Amid Severe Air Pollution

New Delhi, November 15 – As air quality in Delhi worsens, Chief Minister Atishi announced that primary schools will transition to online classes to protect young children from hazardous pollution levels. “All primary schools in Delhi will switch to online classes until further notice due to rising pollution levels,” CM Atishi posted on X.

With the Air Quality Index (AQI) now in the “severe” category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), effective from November 15. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has responded by adding 20 extra weekday trips, making a total of 60 additional trips since GRAP-II measures were introduced, to improve public transport options and reduce pollution.

GRAP III Measures Implemented

Under Stage III, stricter pollution control measures are in place, including intensified road cleaning and water sprinkling with dust suppressants before peak hours in high-traffic areas. Dust-generating activities, such as construction, demolition, and earthwork, are banned except for essential projects related to healthcare, public infrastructure, and national security.

The CAQM has advised NCR state governments to consider shifting classes for students up to Class V online, as physical classes could expose young children to harmful air. BS-III and below diesel-operated light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also banned from entering the city, except those carrying essential goods.

Key GRAP Stages for NCR

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) categorizes air quality responses as follows:

• Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300)
• Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400)
• Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450)
• Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI 450+)

Stage III measures include:

• Increased public transport services and differential pricing for off-peak travel.
• Bans on dust-generating construction activities.
• Shutdown of polluting industries, including stone crushers and mining operations.
• Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, and barring interstate buses that don’t meet environmental standards from entering Delhi.

This year, Stage III was activated later than in 2023, when it was invoked on November 2. The CAQM urged the public to follow these measures to reduce health risks and mitigate pollution.

The public is encouraged to use cleaner modes of transport, work from home when feasible, and avoid coal and wood for heating. Authorities request cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of these steps, aiming to protect public health and improve air quality in Delhi.