In the country's capital, Delhi, air pollution has soared to a dangerous level, leading to the implementation of GRAP-4 in Delhi-NCR. Due to this, various restrictions have been imposed, and an announcement has been made to close physical classes in Delhi schools from Monday. Schools will shift to online mode due to GRAP-4 restrictions, although classes for grades 10 and 12 will continue physically.
Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi stated that with GRAP-4 coming into effect from Monday, all physical classes, except for grades 10 and 12, will be halted. All schools will conduct classes online until further notice.
Meanwhile, Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, will hold a press conference at 1 PM on Monday at the Delhi Secretariat. During this event, he may provide a briefing on GRAP-4 and the pollution situation in Delhi. Before this, Gopal Rai will meet with heads of all relevant departments at 12 PM.
The Center's Air Quality Panel has announced several restrictions for Delhi-NCR under Phase-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which will become effective from 8 AM on Monday. These include the banning of truck entry and a temporary halt on public project constructions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued these directives when Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached critically poor levels. At 4 PM, it recorded 441, escalating to 457 by 7 PM. According to the orders, no trucks, except those transporting essential goods or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric), are permitted entry into Delhi. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi that are not electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel are also prohibited.
CAQM outlined that, barring essential services, the entry of BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi is banned. A temporary cessation on all construction activities, including highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and other public works, has been instituted.
CAQM suggested the introduction of online classes for students in grades 6 to 9 and grade 11. It also recommended that offices in NCR operate at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home. The panel advised that Central Government employees be granted the option to work from home. State governments may also decide to close colleges, limit non-essential commercial activities, and enforce the
odd-even
vehicle rule.
The steps taken are part of a comprehensive plan to combat the severe impact of air pollution on the city’s residents, reflecting a strong commitment to public health and environmental preservation. For the latest updates, stay tuned to official announcements and adhere to the guidelines for collective well-being.
