Due to worsening pollution, the Delhi government has activated GRAP IV, moving school classes online for all grades except 10 and 12.
In response to worsening pollution levels in Delhi and nearby areas, the government has implemented GRAP IV, transitioning school classes online for all grades except 10 and 12 starting Monday. These partial online classes will remain in effect until further notice or until air quality improves.
With GRAP IV taking effect from 8 a.m. on Monday, a holiday was announced for students up to Class 5, while students in Grades 6 to 9 and 11 have been allowed to attend classes online.
While the AQI in Noida and Ghaziabad remains in the severe category, these cities have yet to announce school holidays or shift to online classes. Meanwhile, Haryana schools, including those in Faridabad and Gurgaon, have been closed, granting students up to Class 5 a break. In the Delhi-NCR region, meetings are expected on Monday, with updates to be shared during the school recess.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on the microblogging platform X on Sunday, “With rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will transition to online classes until further notice.”
What Else Does GRAP IV Cover?
Beyond school closures, GRAP IV imposes restrictions on vehicles entering Delhi. Diesel medium and heavy freight trucks registered under BS-IV or older standards are prohibited, except for those used in essential services.
Only trucks carrying essential goods or operating on clean fuels—such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric—are allowed entry into the city.
Delhi has halted all construction activities, including work on roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, highways, and other public projects. Private offices have been urged to implement work-from-home options and reduce in-office staff by 50%. Restrictions have also been extended to private vehicles.
The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened on Sunday, rising from 441 at 4 p.m. to 457 by 7 p.m. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bahadurgarh in Haryana recorded the highest AQI at 445, followed by Delhi at 441, Bhiwani in Haryana at 415, and Bikaner in Rajasthan at 404.
