Strict pollution restrictions under the Graduated Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) were tightened in the capital on Saturday after Delhi’s air quality worsened, with the AQI crossing 400 in some areas.
Curbs under GRAP-4 include ban on non-essential trucks entering Delhi, construction, demolition, closure of colleges and educational institutions along with other restrictions on authorities.
Will schools in Delhi NCR remain closed tomorrow?
Schools in Delhi-NCR were closed due to cold wave conditions and were scheduled to reopen in the week of January 16.
It is expected that the sudden increase in pollution and the implementation of GRAP Phase IV will lead the authorities in the region to reconsider the organization of physical education classes, especially for younger students.
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However, there is still no official confirmation of school closures for tomorrow, Monday. Parents and students should be informed through updates provided by their school authorities, district administration or state government.
Simply put, GRAP IV requires classes up to V in Delhi and major cities of NCR to follow a hybrid curriculum and recommends the same for classes up to XII.
Public, council and private offices are also advised to operate with at least 50% of staff working from home, and staggered timings may be introduced to ease peak traffic.
Read also | Delhi-NCR schools closed on Monday January 12? IMD warns of severe cold
What did CAQM say about the GRAP Phase IV recall?
The Air Quality Management Commission, in a notification on Saturday, noted that the AQI in Delhi was at 400 at 4 pm and rose to 428 four hours later “due to western disturbances, very adverse weather/meteorological conditions and insufficient dispersion of pollutants”.
“Taking into account the prevailing air quality trend and relevant factors, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM subcommittee for GRAP has unanimously decided to apply all measures as envisaged under Stage IV of the existing GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Quality Air (NCR45, as) with immediate effect > GRAP said CAQM.
Under GRAP, air quality is divided into four grades: poor (AQI 201–300), very poor (AQI 301–400), serious (AQI 401–450) and strong+ (AQI above 450).
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A cool comeback charm
Meanwhile, dense fog enveloped Delhi on Sunday morning, reducing visibility to near zero and affecting flight operations.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4°C on Saturday, which is 3.2°C below the season’s average. Dense fog was reported in the morning, the maximum temperature reached 24.6 °C, and at 6 pm the relative humidity was 72 percent.
Meteorologists predict a gradual rise in temperatures between January 17 and 20, accompanied by light winter precipitation. However, another cold spell is expected from January 23 to 26.