Are schools in Delhi closed? Govt’s BIG order as GRAP-4 imposed amid rising pollution
This comes after authorities implemented the fourth and final phase of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the air pollution crisis. The government has also asked offices to recall 50 per cent of staff and give others the option to work from home.
The government order comes as air pollution continues to worsen in the capital.
The Delhi government has directed all government and private schools to conduct classes in hybrid mode – both physical and online – for up to 9th Standard students and 11th Standrad students as air pollution in the national capital region (NCR) continues to worsen. This comes after authorities implemented the fourth and final phase of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the pollution crisis. The government has also asked offices to call in 50 per cent of staff and give the other half the option to work from home.
GRAP-4 comes into force
The government directive comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central government’s anti-pollution panel, imposed a slew of restrictions across NCR under GRAP-4 on Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, the commission had requested measures under GRAP-3 to combat rising pollution levels. “Considering the prevailing trend in air quality and with a view to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, CAQM GRAP Sub-Committee decides to initiate all actions prescribed under existing GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450) Phase-IV with immediate effect in the entire NCR,” CAQM said in a statement. he said.
Delhi’s AQI today
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 431 at 4 pm on Saturday and rose to 441 at 6 pm. The GRAP system has four levels: GRAP 1 restrictions apply when AQI is between 201 and 300 (classified as frail); GRAP 2 measures come into effect when AQI is between 301 and 400 (very poor); GRAP 3 401 to 450 (severe); GRAP 4 when AQI exceeds 450 (severe plus).
