Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Following a deterioration in air quality in Delhi, Phase III (severe) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) began on Tuesday and the government asked schools to switch to hybrid mode for primary students from class five from Wednesday.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that security measures are being taken rapidly in the light of GRAP Phase III.
“Up to class five, online classes will be conducted from Wednesday. Hybrid mode will be implemented in schools,” he said.
Citing the decision of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to include GRAP Phase III, the Delhi government’s education ministry said in the circular, “Accordingly, heads of all government, government-aided, unaided recognized private schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in hybrid mode for children up to class five in schools, i.e. in both physical and online mode (where Online mode also possible) with immediate effect till further orders.”
Director of Education Vedita Reddy said, “Heads of all schools have been directed to immediately disseminate this information to the parents and guardians of the students.”
Reddy also cited the CAQM circular, which pointed out the severe air quality in the city.
“Accordingly, in an effort to prevent further deterioration in air quality, the Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to implement all actions under Stage-III (‘Severe’ Delhi air quality) of the existing schedule of GRAP with immediate effect by all agencies concerned in Delhi NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and III actions already implemented,” the CAQM order said.
Actions under Phases I, II and III of the revised GRAP will be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned throughout the NCR to ensure that AQI levels do not fall further.
All implementing agencies will continue to closely monitor and intensify measures as per the existing schedule of GRAP. CAQM said, citizens are requested to strictly follow the Citizens Charter under GRAP Phase-III.
Taking note of the sharp rise in Delhi’s AQI levels, the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as IMD/IITM forecasts in its urgent meeting held on Tuesday.
The Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi, which was recorded at 362 (‘Very Poor’ category) for 10.11.2025, showed a sharp increasing trend and was recorded at 425 (‘Severe’ category) at 9 am on 11.11.2025 due to calm winds, stable atmosphere and adverse meteorological conditions.
–IANS
rch/and