New Delhi : As the national capital grapples with an escalating pollution crisis, the Delhi government has announced sweeping measures to protect public health. Starting Monday, November 20, all physical classes for students from nursery to Grade 9 will shift to online mode. Only students in Grades 10 and 12 will continue attending school in person, the government confirmed.

The decision comes alongside the enforcement of GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan, Phase 4), the strictest level of anti-pollution measures aimed at combating the hazardous air quality plaguing Delhi-NCR.

A Drastic Step to Protect Students

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce the move:
“With GRAP-4 taking effect from Monday, all physical classes will be suspended for students except those in Grades 10 and 12. Schools will conduct online classes for the remaining students until further notice.”

The capital’s air quality index (AQI) has been hovering in the “severe” category, with several areas recording levels above 450—well beyond the safe limit. The alarming situation has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement additional restrictions to curb emissions and reduce public exposure to toxic air.

What GRAP-4 Means for Delhi-NCR

Under GRAP-4, a host of stringent measures have been introduced:

• School Closures: Only essential board-exam classes (Grades 10 and 12) will continue in physical mode. All others will shift to online learning.


• Vehicular Restrictions: Entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi is prohibited. Only vehicles running on LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-6 diesel engines are permitted.


• Construction Ban: A blanket ban continues on construction and demolition activities, including roadworks, flyovers, and pipelines.


• Office Guidelines: The government may implement work-from-home policies for 50% of employees in private and government offices.


• Odd-Even Vehicle Rule: Authorities are considering implementing the odd-even rule to reduce vehicular pollution.

Rising Pollution Levels Force Emergency Action

Delhi’s AQI crossed the 450 mark in several locations, putting the city in the “severe” pollution category. With the implementation of GRAP-4, measures from earlier phases (GRAP-1, 2, and 3) remain in effect.

The CAQM’s sub-committee stated that the extreme step of implementing GRAP-4 was unavoidable given the worsening air quality. The move aims to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly, from the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to hazardous air.

Parents and Students React

The closure of schools has sparked mixed reactions among parents and students. While some parents are relieved that their children will not have to brave the toxic air, others worry about the disruptions caused by the sudden shift to online learning.

“I’m glad my child can stay home and avoid the harmful air, but balancing work and supervising online classes will be a challenge,” said Priya Sharma, a parent from South Delhi.

Students preparing for board exams expressed concern about missing out on classroom learning. “Attending physical classes is crucial for board preparations. I hope we don’t face too many interruptions,” shared Arjun Gupta, a Grade 12 student.

Broader Impacts of GRAP-4

Apart from school closures, GRAP-4 measures have far-reaching implications for businesses and daily life in Delhi-NCR:

• Transport Restrictions: Stricter rules on vehicle entry and movement are expected to ease road congestion but may disrupt logistics and supply chains.


• Construction Delays: The halt on construction activities is likely to impact ongoing infrastructure projects, including highways and metro expansions.


• Public Health Concerns: The government has urged residents to minimize outdoor activities, wear masks, and use air purifiers at home wherever possible.

What Lies Ahead?

The Delhi government and CAQM have emphasized that the duration of these restrictions will depend on how quickly air quality improves. For now, citizens are being urged to cooperate with the measures and contribute to pollution reduction efforts by carpooling, avoiding waste burning, and limiting vehicle use.

With the pollution crisis at its peak, Delhi finds itself in a race against time to restore breathable air. As the city adapts to these emergency measures, the hope is that collective action will pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future.

FAQs

What is GRAP-4?
GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan, Phase 4) is the highest level of pollution-control measures implemented when air quality reaches “severe” levels. It includes restrictions on schools, vehicles, construction, and public activities.

Which grades are affected by school closures?
All classes except Grades 10 and 12 will shift to online learning.

When will physical classes resume?
Resumption of physical classes will depend on improvements in air quality. Updates will be announced by the Delhi government.

What other restrictions are in place?
Restrictions include a ban on non-essential diesel trucks, construction activities, and possible implementation of odd-even vehicle rules.

How can citizens help reduce pollution?
Citizens can contribute by minimizing vehicle use, avoiding waste burning, and adhering to the government’s guidelines.