New Delhi, 18 November 2024: Delhi suspended in-person classes for all students except those in grades 10 and 12 as air quality plummeted for the fifth consecutive day, the government announced Sunday.
The decision followed the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) directive to enforce Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, effective from 8 a.m. Monday. This highest alert level aims to curb pollution as air quality levels hit alarming peaks.
“With GRAP-4 in place from tomorrow, physical classes are suspended for all students except those in classes 10 and 12. Schools will switch to online learning until further notice,” Chief Minister Atishi posted on X.
The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, climbing from 441 at 4 p.m. to 457 by 7 p.m., exacerbated by unfavorable weather.
In addition to school closures, stringent vehicle restrictions were announced. Trucks, except those carrying essential goods or running on clean fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric, are barred entry into Delhi. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi face similar bans unless they use CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power.
The order also prohibits Delhi-registered medium and heavy goods vehicles using BS-IV or older diesel engines, except those providing essential services, according to the panel’s directive.
