In response to escalating air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that, starting Monday, the implementation of Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will necessitate the discontinuation of physical classes across all educational institutions for students from Class I to Class IX and Class XI. Exceptionally, students in Class 10 and Class 12 will still attend in-person classes. “All schools will hold online classes, until further orders,” Atishi stated in a tweet on Sunday, emphasizing the safety of students during this environmental crisis.
With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tmrw, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 17, 2024
A formal announcement from the Directorate of Education detailed that “all Heads of Government, Government-Aided, and Unaided Private Recognized Schools in Delhi are hereby directed to ensure that physical classes for all students up to and including Class IX and Class XI are to be discontinued from November 18, 2024 (Monday) until further orders. Heads of Schools must guarantee that classes for these grade levels transition to online mode until further instructions are issued. In contrast, physical classes for students of Class X and Class XII shall proceed as scheduled.”
Delhi Pollution: CAQM Invokes Stage-IV As AQI Reaches ‘Severe+’ Category
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) mandated Stage-IV measures due to a critical rise in pollution levels, following an emergency meeting convened by the Sub-Committee on Sunday. The meeting focused on alarming pollution rates linked to adverse meteorological conditions affecting Delhi and its neighboring areas.
Effective from 8 a.m. on November 18, the Sub-Committee’s invocation of Stage-IV measures aims to preempt a further deterioration of air quality. These measures will be applied across the NCR and augment previous strategies already enacted under Stages I, II, and III.
The 8-point action plan under Stage IV comprises:
- Restricting Entry of Trucks: Prohibiting truck traffic into Delhi, except for those transporting essential goods or providing vital services. Only LNG/CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks will be permitted entry.
- Limiting LCVs: Light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, other than electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel models, will face restrictions unless they are delivering essential items or offering necessary services.
- Ban on Older Diesel Vehicles: Strict enforcement of a ban on registered BS-IV or lower diesel-operated Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles, excluding those engaged in essential services.
- Halting Construction Projects: Immediate cessation of all construction and demolition activities for linear public projects, including highways and new power lines.
- Decisions on Physical Classes: The NCR State Governments and the GNCTD will suspend physical classes for students in Classes VI-IX and Class XI, requiring a shift to online learning.
- Work-from-Home Measures: Public and private offices may operate at 50% capacity, while other employees are encouraged to work from home.
- Work-from-Home For Union Government Employees: The central government is advised to establish work-from-home arrangements for its employees as needed.
- Emergency Measures: State Governments may introduce additional actions, such as closing colleges, halting non-essential commercial activities, and implementing vehicle restrictions like odd-even schemes.
The CAQM further urged residents to adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP and support efforts to enhance air quality. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, are strongly advised to remain indoors as much as possible to mitigate health risks.
– How does the Delhi government plan to monitor and assess the effectiveness of the Stage-IV GRAP measures on air quality improvement?
**Interview with Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on the Implementation of Stage-IV GRAP**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Chief Minister Atishi. With the implementation of Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan starting Monday, can you explain the decision to discontinue physical classes for students up to Class IX and Class XI?
**CM Atishi:** Thank you for having me. The decision was made in response to alarming air pollution levels in the National Capital Region. Our main priority is the health and safety of our students. By transitioning to online classes for younger students, we hope to protect them from exposure to hazardous air quality.
**Interviewer:** Why are Classes 10 and 12 exempt from this decision?
**CM Atishi:** The rationale behind allowing Classes 10 and 12 to continue with in-person classes is primarily due to the upcoming board exams. These students are in critical stages of their academic journey, and we believe that in-person instruction is essential for them at this time. We will closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the measures being implemented under Stage-IV and how they will impact daily life for Delhi residents?
**CM Atishi:** Certainly. The Stage-IV measures include the restriction of truck entry into Delhi, except for essential goods, and only vehicles using cleaner fuels will be allowed. Additionally, we’ll be focusing on reducing emissions from construction activities, encouraging work-from-home arrangements, and enhancing public transport services, among other strategies. Our goal is to reduce pollution levels significantly and protect public health.
**Interviewer:** Many residents are concerned about the continuous rise in pollution levels. What long-term strategies are being considered to address air quality in the NCR?
**CM Atishi:** We understand the concerns of our citizens, and we are committed to long-term strategies like improving green cover, creating better public transportation systems, and ultimately transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Collaboration with neighboring states is also crucial to tackling pollution effectively across the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Chief Minister Atishi, for your insights. We hope for swift improvements in air quality in the NCR.
**CM Atishi:** Thank you for having me. It’s critical that we all work together as a community to address this pressing issue.
