GRAP III In Delhi-NCR As AQI Slips Into Severe Category, Schools Closed Upto 5th Class In Delhi For 2 Days

Due to worsening air quality, the Delhi government closed schools up to Class V in schools for the next two days.

Image credit: ANI

New Delhi: Delhi on Thursday enforced the GRAP III as the air quality in the the national capital and its adjoining areas slipped into the severe category.  With the implementation of GRAP Stage-III, the state government in NCR and GNCTD may now take a decision to discontinue physical classes in schools for children up to Class V. Delhi's AQI on Thursday evening stood at 402 which falls in the 'Severe' category (401-450).

GRAP III enforces further stringent restrictions on construction and demolition activities in the Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of the GRAP III keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality.

GRAP stage III imposed in Delhi as air quality deteriorates

Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the CAQM decides that ALL actions as envisaged under stage III of the GRAP -'Severe' Air Quality… pic.twitter.com/AxwNVGu57r

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2023

"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the CAQM decides that ALL actions as envisaged under stage III of the GRAP -'Severe' Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450) be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, with immediate effect, in addition to the stage I and II actions already in force," Stated the CAQM

Delhi Schools Closed Upto 5th Classes For Next 2 Days

In the wake of rising pollution Delhi government on Thursday closed all govt and private primary schools in the national capital for next 2 days. However, MCD schools will remain closed on November 3 and 4 and the classes to be held in online mode for students.

In light of the rising pollution levels, all govt and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 2 days

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 2, 2023

Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai asserted that the next 15 days are going to be crucial amid the rising pollution and deteriorating air quality. Speaking to ANI, Rai said, "When compared to the earlier times, the situation has definitely gone better. However, according to the experts, the next 15 days will be crucial. The government is working on how to cut the sources that cause pollution".

Rai also called for cooperation between the Central government and the state government. "We need to work unitedly in order to curb the situation. Everyone needs to be aware of it", he said.