With the introduction of Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting Monday, Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi declared the suspension of physical classes for all students, except those in Class 10 and 12. In her official tweet on Sunday, Atishi emphasized, “All schools will solely conduct online classes, until further orders.”
As part of GRAP Stage-IV, physical classes shall be halted for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will transition to online classes until further directives are issued,” Atishi communicated via X on social media.
With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tmrw, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 17, 2024
A detailed order was issued, stating, “In line with the above directives, all Heads of Government, Government Aided, and Unaided Private Recognized Schools of the Directorate of Education (DoE), MCD, NDMC & DCB in Delhi must ensure that physical classes for all students, including those up to Class IX and Class XI, are to be suspended from 18.11.2024 (Monday) until further notice. Heads of Schools are further instructed to facilitate classes in online mode for these students until further orders are communicated. Furthermore, physical classes for Class X and Class XII will proceed as scheduled.”
Delhi Pollution: CAQM Invokes Stage-IV As AQI Reaches ‘Severe+’ Category
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated measures under Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) following an urgent meeting of the Sub-Committee held on Sunday. This emergency session addressed the alarming spike in pollution levels, primarily attributed to unfavorable weather conditions impacting Delhi-NCR.
In response to these deteriorating air quality conditions, the Sub-Committee’s decision to impose Stage-IV measures will take effect from 8 a.m. on November 18. This strategic move seeks to prevent any further deterioration of air quality, implementing strict measures applicable across the National Capital Region (NCR) and building upon actions previously enforced under the earlier Stages I, II, and III.
The comprehensive 8-point action plan under Stage IV entails stringent measures:
- Restricting Entry of Trucks: Truck traffic into Delhi will be banned, except for those vehicles delivering essential goods or services. Only LNG/CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks will be permitted entry.
- Limiting LCVs: Light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, except for electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel types, will face restrictions unless transporting essential goods or providing necessary services.
- Ban on Older Diesel Vehicles: A strict prohibition will be enforced on the operation of registered BS-IV and below diesel-run Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), aside from those engaged in essential services.
- Halting Construction Projects: All construction and demolition (C&D) activities related to linear public projects, including highways, roads, and power lines, will be halted.
- Decisions on Physical Classes: State Governments across the NCR and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) are advised to cancel physical classes for students in Classes VI-IX and XI, transitioning lessons to an online format.
- Work-from-Home Measures: Public, municipal, and private offices may operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining workforce encouraged to work from home.
- Work-from-Home For Union Government Employees: The central government may implement work-from-home protocols for its employees to mitigate the impact of poor air quality.
- Emergency Measures: State Governments may consider additional steps such as closing colleges, suspending non-essential commercial activities, and enforcing vehicle restrictions, including odd-even schemes.
The CAQM has urged residents of the NCR to adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP and participate actively in efforts to improve air quality. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, should be advised to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.
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How will the implementation of Stage-IV measures impact daily life for Delhi residents, particularly regarding transportation and education?
**Interview with Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi: Addressing the GRAP Stage-IV Action Plan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Chief Minister Atishi. As you announced, Delhi will be entering Stage-IV of the GRAP from Monday. Can you tell us what prompted this decision?
**Atishi:** Thank you for having me. The decision to implement Stage-IV measures is a direct response to the alarming pollution levels in Delhi, which have reached the ‘Severe+’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management met urgently, and we determined that immediate action is necessary to protect the health of our citizens, especially our children.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that physical classes will be suspended for all students except for those in Class 10 and 12. What is the rationale behind this exception?
**Atishi:** The exception for Classes 10 and 12 is based on their proximity to crucial board examinations. We understand the importance of these classes in their academic journey. However, we have put stringent safety measures in place and will closely monitor the air quality to ensure that we are prioritizing student safety.
**Interviewer:** How are schools expected to adapt to this shift towards online classes?
**Atishi:** All schools have been instructed to transition to online classes immediately. We are providing support for schools with limited resources to ensure that all students can access the online learning platforms. Our goal is to facilitate continuous learning while prioritizing health and safety.
**Interviewer:** What additional measures will be enforced under the Stage-IV action plan, especially concerning vehicular restrictions?
**Atishi:** The Stage-IV plan includes several stringent measures aimed at reducing pollution. This includes a ban on non-essential truck traffic into Delhi, strict limitations on light commercial vehicles, and a prohibition on older diesel vehicles. We are also ensuring that only environmentally friendly vehicles can enter the city, which is a significant step toward improving our air quality.
**Interviewer:** Many residents are concerned about how long these restrictions might remain in place. What can you say about potential timelines?
**Atishi:** I understand the concerns, and we are closely monitoring the air quality situation. We will lift these restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so, based on updated air quality assessments and recommendations from the Commission for Air Quality Management. Our primary goal is the health and safety of all Delhiites.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Chief Minister Atishi, for sharing these insights. We appreciate your efforts in tackling this urgent public health issue.
**Atishi:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference in improving the air quality in our beloved city.