Schools across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) have been directed to transition classes 1-5 to a hybrid learning mode, allowing students to attend either in person or online. This mandate, issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education, follows the invocation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to rapidly deteriorating air quality in the region.
The order, which came into effect ahead of Diwali, reflects the severe environmental challenges facing Delhi-NCR. The region's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently remained in the 'very poor' category, largely attributed to factors like stubble burning, festive-season traffic, and industrial emissions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made the decision to activate GRAP Stage III on Friday, November 6, 2026.
GRAP Stage III: Broader Restrictions Imposed
Beyond educational institutions, GRAP Stage III introduces a range of stringent measures aimed at curbing pollution sources. Non-essential construction and demolition activities, including earthwork, piling, and trenching, are now prohibited across the NCR. Restrictions also apply to certain types of ready-mix concrete plants.
Vehicle use is also impacted, with BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers facing restrictions in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Specific diesel goods vehicles are also restricted, though exemptions are made for those transporting essential commodities or providing vital services. Furthermore, state governments in the NCR have the discretion to mandate that government, municipal, and private offices operate with 50 percent of their staff attending in person, with the remaining employees working from home.
Alarming Air Quality Levels Persist
The decision to invoke GRAP Stage III was driven by alarming air quality readings. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 364 at 8 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data, with the CAQM reporting an AQI of 382 on Friday afternoon. Several monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400, pushing them into the 'severe' category. Notable areas experiencing 'severe' air quality included IIT Delhi (443), Punjabi Bagh (433), Vivek Vihar (424), and Jahangirpuri (420).
Forecasts from IITM-Pune indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category, with a strong possibility of worsening to 'severe' between November 7 and 9. GRAP is a critical framework designed to implement emergency measures when pollution reaches predefined thresholds, with Stages I and II measures remaining in force alongside the new Stage III restrictions.
School Implementation and Oversight
The directive applies to all government, government-aided, and unaided recognized private schools, as well as those managed by the New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Delhi Cantonment Board. School heads have been instructed to immediately notify parents and guardians about the new hybrid arrangements. Deputy Directors of Education across various districts and zones are tasked with visiting schools to ensure smooth and effective implementation of these crucial anti-pollution measures.