Schools in Delhi will remain shut for younger students as air pollution levels once again slipped into the ‘severe’ category. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) worsening across Delhi and nearby NCR regions, the Delhi government has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to reduce exposure to toxic air. Under the latest order, all government and private schools in the capital have been closed for students from Nursery to Class 5 until further notice. According to the latest district guidelines, schools in Noida have not been completely shut but are operating under a revised academic plan. Meanwhile, all government and private schools in Gurugram, Haryana (NCR region), have been directed to conduct online classes for students up to Class 5.
Delhi schools to operate under mixed system
- Nursery to Class 5: Schools closed; no classes
- Classes 6 to 11: Classes to be held in hybrid mode (online and offline)
- Classes 10 and 12: Physical classes will continue due to upcoming board exams
Officials said this approach is meant to ensure studies continue while keeping children safe from harmful pollution.
Why has government taken this step?
The decision was taken after many residents across Delhi-NCR reported health problems such as breathing difficulties, sore throat, coughing, and eye irritation. Doctors have warned that children are especially at risk when pollution levels are extremely high. GRAP Stage 4 is the strictest set of anti-pollution measures and is enforced when air quality stays dangerously poor for prolonged periods.
As air pollution in Delhi worsened and the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the ‘severe’ category, the Delhi government announced stricter measures to reduce pollution levels. These include shifting offices to a hybrid work model, banning vehicles carrying construction materials, and making a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate compulsory.
The new steps will come into force from Thursday and are in addition to the existing GRAP-4 restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Delhi recorded ‘severe’ AQI levels for three straight days starting Saturday, December 13.
Work from home rule announced
Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra stated that both government and private offices must adopt a work-from-home mode from Thursday. He added that strict action will be taken against those who fail to follow the order. However, some exemptions have been allowed, including for emergency service workers and daily-wage labourers.
Who can work from home and who can’t?
While the order applies to all government and private offices, physical attendance will not stop completely.
- Private offices in Delhi must ensure that no more than 50 percent of employees are present at the workplace
- The remaining staff must work from home
- Emergency services and daily-wage workers are exempted from this rule
The government said the move aims to reduce traffic and pollution while ensuring essential services continue smoothly.
