Amid the escalating air pollution crisis, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Thursday that all primary schools in the national capital will switch to online classes until further notice. This move follows the Delhi government’s activation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the city’s deteriorating air quality.
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the “severe” category for a second consecutive day on Thursday. On Wednesday, Delhi reported the worst AQI in the country, marking the first time this season that pollution reached this hazardous level.
GRAP, designed specifically for the National Capital Region (NCR), is divided into four stages based on AQI levels. Stage III, now in effect, addresses AQI levels from 401-450, categorized as “severe.” Under these measures, construction and demolition activities are halted, and restrictions are placed on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles to curb pollution.
Earlier today, Environment Minister Gopal Rai attributed the pollution spike to calm winds and cooler temperatures, which have trapped pollutants in the air. During a press conference, he indicated that changing weather patterns over the last two days have worsened air quality but expressed optimism about expected stronger winds on Friday and Saturday, which could help disperse pollutants and improve conditions in the city.