Grap-4 Restrictions Reimposed: Delhi Air Quality Worsens, Schools To Operate In Hybrid Mode

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 Restrictions Imposed In Delhi

The combination of calm winds, low temperatures, and thick fog led to the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. As a result, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi surged badly, moving from 275 on January 14, 2025, to a hazardous 396 by 6 pm on January 15, 2025 (going to serve category). This rise in pollution levels led to the urgent reactivation of Stage 4 measures, which are designed to curb further deterioration in air quality and protect the health of the public.

CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP invokes all actions under both Stages III & IV of revised GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

For more details, visit: https://t.co/B02PSZq8ZP pic.twitter.com/P7mTxNxsk8

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) January 15, 2025

The order by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas states, “Accordingly, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and in pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directives, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to straightway invoke ALL actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) & also Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality of Delhi) of extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force.”

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Grap-4 Restrictions Reimposed: Schools To Operate In Hybrid Mode

On January 15, 2025, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) instructed all schools to switch to hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and for Class 11 students, following the implementation of Stage 4 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan. This directive applies to both government and private schools, across all boards.

The order stated, “All Heads of Schools of Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognised Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX & XI in a 'Hybrid Mode' i.e., both in physical and online mode.”

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) also states that, “State Govts. in the NCR and the GNCTD to mandatorily conduct classes in schools for children up to class V in a “Hybrid” mode i.e., both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) in the territorial jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.”

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Key Restrictions Under GRAP-4

Stage 4 of the GRAP introduces a series of actions to reduce pollution levels in the national capital. The measures, which have now been reimposed, include:

1. Construction activities across Delhi have been halted under Stage 4, as dust and particulate matter from construction sites are significant contributors to air pollution.

2. To curb the emission of harmful pollutants, non-essential diesel trucks have been banned from entering Delhi. Only trucks carrying essential goods or involved in emergency services are allowed to operate.

3. In order to protect the health of children, the Delhi government has mandated that all schools switch to hybrid learning modes. This means students will attend classes online, reducing their exposure to the hazardous outdoor air. However, this restriction does not apply to classes 10 and 12, as their examinations are approaching, and the authorities have made an exception for these critical grade levels.

4. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, excluding EVs, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles, will not be allowed to enter the capital, unless they are transporting essential goods or providing essential services. Additionally, Delhi-registered medium and heavy diesel vehicles that are BS-IV or older will be banned from operating, except for those involved in essential services.

As Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, there is an urgent need for long-term solutions to tackle the city's persistent air quality issues.

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