Stage 3 pollution: Delhi schools to switch to hybrid for classes up to 5
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New Delhi: Following a sharp deterioration in air quality, Delhi has activated Stage III (‘Severe’) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Tuesday, prompting the government to direct primary schools to shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class V from Wednesday.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the measures were being implemented rapidly to ensure the safety of children. “Till Class V, online classes will be conducted from Wednesday. Hybrid mode will be in force in schools,” she stated.
The Department of Education issued a circular, citing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decision to implement GRAP Stage III. It instructed the heads of all government, aided, and unaided recognised private schools, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board schools to conduct classes in hybrid mode, both in-person and online, wherever feasible, with immediate effect until further notice.
Director of Education Veditha Reddy said school authorities must promptly inform parents and guardians about the shift. She added that the CAQM circular highlighted the severe air quality in Delhi.
The CAQM order stated, “In an effort to prevent further deterioration, the Sub-Committee on GRAP has invoked all actions under Stage-III (‘Severe’ Air Quality of Delhi) of the extant GRAP schedule, effective immediately, in addition to existing Stage-I and II actions.”
All implementing agencies are required to monitor, review, and enforce measures to ensure AQI levels do not worsen. Citizens are urged to strictly follow the citizen charter under GRAP Stage III.
The Sub-Committee, in an urgent meeting on Tuesday, reviewed air quality data and IMD/IITM forecasts. Delhi’s AQI, recorded at 362 (‘Very Poor’) on November 10, 2025, rose sharply to 425 (‘Severe’) by 9 a.m. on November 11, driven by calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions.
Schools, authorities, and citizens are expected to take necessary precautions as the city battles this severe pollution episode.
With IANS inputs