Delhi-NCR schools reopen for in-person classes: The Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that all government and private schools across Delhi will resume physical classes immediately. This decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court granting permission to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to scale down restrictions from Stage IV and III to Stage II under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
CAQM Order Allows Easing of GRAP Restrictions
In its order dated December 5, 2024, the CAQM declared the revocation of actions under Stage IV (‘severe+’ air quality) and Stage III (‘severe’ air quality) of GRAP. The sub-committee responsible for implementing GRAP measures reviewed the air quality trends and forecasts, concluding that the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi had shown significant improvement.
The order stated that previous directives invoking Stage IV and Stage III measures on November 17 and November 14, 2024, respectively, were now rescinded. However, the Supreme Court advised that restrictions should not drop below Stage II for the time being. Consequently, actions under Stage I and II of GRAP will continue to be enforced.
Circulars on School Closures Revoked
Following the CAQM’s directive, the DoE has withdrawn all circulars and orders related to school closures issued up until November 25, 2024. With the lifting of Stage IV and III restrictions, all classes in Delhi’s schools—whether government, aided, or unaided—are mandated to transition back to physical mode without delay.
Check the official notice dated December 5, below.
Air Quality Improvements Enable the Decision
The sub-committee’s decision to downgrade restrictions was based on detailed air quality data and forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). As of December 5, 2024, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 165, placing it in the “moderate” category. This marks a significant improvement from earlier levels, as it is 135 points below the threshold for Stage II actions (AQI 300-400).
The sub-committee also noted that weather conditions and pollution forecasts indicate that Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the “poor” category in the coming days, a considerable improvement from the previous “severe” levels.
The Supreme Court, in its hearing on December 5, 2024, reviewed the air quality data and permitted the CAQM to revoke Stage IV restrictions. However, the court directed the commission to maintain Stage II measures for now to ensure continued vigilance against air pollution spikes.
