Sun Nov 17 18:38:59 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Schools Go Online as Severe Air Pollution Triggers Strict Measures

**New Delhi, Nov 18, 2024** – Delhi-NCR is under a severe air pollution emergency. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated at Stage 4, triggering stringent pollution control measures starting Monday, November 18th. This follows five consecutive days of dangerously high pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 457 on Sunday evening.

To mitigate the health risks, the Delhi government announced that all schools will switch to online classes for students up to class 9, effective immediately. Classes for students in classes 10 and 12 will continue as normal. Chief Minister Atishi made the announcement, citing the hazardous air quality.

The GRAP Stage 4 restrictions include:

* **Vehicle Restrictions:** A ban on entry of all trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods and using clean fuel (EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi (excluding EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles) are also banned.
* **Construction Halt:** A temporary suspension of all construction activities, including highway, road, flyover, and other public projects.
* **Work From Home:** The CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has recommended that offices operate at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home. The central government is also encouraged to offer work-from-home options to its employees. State governments may consider additional measures, such as college closures, restrictions on non-essential commercial activities, and the reintroduction of the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme.

The CAQM also suggested online classes for students in grades 6-9 and 11. The extremely poor air quality poses significant health risks to the population, prompting these drastic measures.

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