Delhi-NCR Schools Brace for Closures as Air Quality Reaches ‘Severe Plus’
As pollution levels surge to hazardous levels, schools across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to suspend in-person classes and transition to hybrid or fully online learning models starting Monday, January 19.
the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday, responding to a dramatic deterioration in air quality.
GRAP Stage IV: Triggering Emergency Measures
The implementation of GRAP Stage IV signifies the most critical level of air pollution response in the Delhi-NCR region. This stage is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpasses 450, placing the air quality in the “Severe Plus” category. Under these restrictions, authorities are empowered to suspend in-person classes and encourage educational institutions to adopt online or hybrid learning to minimize student exposure to harmful pollutants.
Regional Impact and School Schedules
Schools in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar – encompassing Noida, Greater noida, Dadri, and surrounding areas – will operate on a modified schedule, functioning from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.This applies to all schools, including those affiliated with the CBSE, UP Board, IB, ICSE, and other educational boards. “In compliance with the instructions issued by the District Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar, in view of dense fog and extreme cold weather, the operating hours for all Council/Non-Government/Government schools…are revised,” a statement confirmed.
Many schools are proactively issuing notices to parents and guardians, announcing a complete shift to online classes for all grade levels, from preschool through class 12. Detailed class timetables are expected to be released shortly. while specific announcements from Delhi schools are still pending, the deteriorating air quality is expected to prompt similar measures.
Air Quality Data and Recent Trends
delhi’s AQI reached approximately 400 on Saturday afternoon, bordering the ‘severe’ category, before plummeting to 428 by night. Neighboring cities, including Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, also recorded “very poor” air quality levels. Schools in Delhi-NCR were previously closed earlier this week due to extreme cold and were slated to reopen the week of January 16, but the sudden pollution spike has prompted a reassessment of that plan.
GRAP Explained: A Tiered approach to Pollution Control
the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a structured framework of emergency measures designed to combat rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It operates on a stage-wise system,with increasingly stringent restrictions implemented as AQI levels worsen.
- Stage 1 (AQI 201-300 – Poor): Initial measures are put in place.
- Stage 2 (AQI 301-400 – Very Poor): More comprehensive restrictions are implemented.
- Stage 3 (AQI 401-450 – Severe): Significant measures are enacted to reduce pollution sources.
- Stage 4 (AQI >450 – Severe Plus): The most stringent measures, including potential school closures, are enforced.
Separate Closure in Pune Due to Cycling Event
Notably, educational institutions in parts of Pune, Maharashtra, will also be closed on Monday, January 19, but for a different reason. The closure is related to the ‘Pune Grand Tour 2026,’ an international cycling event. Schools and colleges will suspend physical classes due to extensive traffic restrictions throughout the day as the prologue race takes place.The event, a five-day Continental road cycling Race for Men, will feature 171 riders from 35 countries and cover 437 kilometers.
staying Informed
As of now, there is no widespread official confirmation regarding school closures for Monday, January 19, across all of Delhi. Parents and students are advised to remain vigilant and monitor updates from their respective school authorities, district administrations, and state governments for the latest details.
