NEW DELHI: All Delhi schools reopened for offline classes on Thursday, following the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decision to lift Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-3 restrictions. The CAQM, a statutory body dedicated to improving air quality in the National Capital Region, revoked these curbs on Wednesday. This decision followed a sustained improvement in the region’s air quality over the preceding three days. The GRAP Stage-3 measures, which included various pollution control actions and educational restrictions, had been enforced earlier this month due to escalating pollution levels across the city.
Hybrid Class Mandate Withdrawn
The Directorate of Education (DoE) confirmed the immediate resumption of physical classes across all schools. A circular issued by the DoE formally withdrew its earlier guidelines, which had mandated a hybrid learning model for students up to Class 5 since November 11 . This hybrid approach allowed for a mix of online and offline teaching, aiming to reduce students’ exposure to severe air pollution.
The DoE circular specifically stated, "All government, government-aided, unaided recognised private schools of the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board are informed that the hybrid mode is hereby revoked. All classes are to be held in physical mode with immediate effect." School heads received clear instructions to disseminate this information to students, staff, and parents promptly.
Current Air Quality Status
Despite the lifting of the most stringent GRAP measures, Delhi’s air quality on Thursday remained in the "very poor" category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 377 at 4 PM on Thursday. This figure indicates a continued health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations. The city has experienced consistently poor air quality for the last 13 consecutive days, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges.
Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is an emergency action plan implemented in the Delhi-NCR region to prevent further deterioration of air quality. It categorizes air pollution levels and prescribes specific, escalating measures at each stage. CAQM triggers or lifts these stages based on the prevailing AQI forecasts and actual pollution levels. GRAP Stage-3, classified under the "Very Poor" AQI category (301-400), typically involves strict actions like banning construction and demolition activities, specific industrial operations, and, as seen recently, restrictions on educational institutions to protect students.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Explained
The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a critical tool for communicating daily air quality information to the public. It measures the concentration of various pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. A higher AQI value indicates a greater level of air pollution and a more significant health concern. The CPCB defines six distinct categories for the AQI, each associated with specific health impacts:
| AQI Range | Category | Associated Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | Minimal or no adverse health impact. |
| 51-100 | Satisfactory | May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. |
| 101-200 | Moderate | May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease, heart disease, children, and older adults. |
| 201-300 | Poor | May cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. |
| 301-400 | Very Poor | Likely to cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. |
| 401-500 | Severe | Can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases. |