GRAP 1 in Delhi: Impact on NCR schools? Open or closed? Know about restrictions and prohibitions – today allowed vs. not allowed | Today’s news
As Delhi’s air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category, statutory measures mandated under Phase I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force across the National Capital Region (NCR) from Wednesday.
The GRAP, revised by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjacent Areas (CAQM), has classified deteriorating air quality into four distinct stages, with Stage I automatically triggered when Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is between 201 and 300.
As citizens grapple with the onset of winter smog, some common questions arise regarding the operational status of schools, what remains permissible and what faces outright bans in Delhi.
Impact on NCR schools: Are schools open or closed?
Under Phase I of GRAP, schools in Delhi and NCR remain fully open and functional. The official GRAP schedule makes it clear that no school closures, hybrid classrooms, or restrictions on educational institutions are mandated under Tier I.
Restrictions on educational institutions only occur at higher pollution thresholds:
In Phase III (“Severe” AQI 401–450): Governments are directed to compulsorily run classes for children up to Class V in ‘hybrid’ mode (both physical and online if possible) in Delhi and in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts, with the option of online mode entrusted to guardians.
In stage IV (‘Severe +’ AQI > 450): Hybrid mode extends to higher classes (Classes VI to IX and Class XI). State governments may also consider extraordinary measures, such as complete closure of universities and other educational institutions, only in Phase IV.
Therefore, standard physical education continues without interruption across the NCR as part of Grade I.
Enabled vs. Not allowed today under GRAP Phase I
Phase I of GRAP focuses primarily on proactive dust control, strict emissions enforcement, vehicle regulation and waste management.
