Delhi-NCR Schools Face Possible Closure on January 19 Due to Severe Air Pollution
Schools across Delhi and the National Capital Region might remain shut on Monday, January 19. This potential closure comes as the Commission for Air Quality Management enforced GRAP Stage IV restrictions on Saturday. The move follows a sharp deterioration in air quality, pushing pollution levels into the severe plus category.
Air Quality Deteriorates Rapidly Across the Region
Delhi's Air Quality Index hovered around 400 on Saturday afternoon. By night, it worsened to 428, firmly placing it in the severe range. Neighbouring cities did not fare much better. Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram all recorded very poor air quality levels.
One of Delhi's most polluted neighbourhoods, Anand Vihar, recorded an alarming AQI of 480. This reading appeared on the Central Pollution Control Board's mobile application. A level of 480 falls squarely in the severe classification, posing significant health risks.
GRAP Stage IV Grants Authority to Suspend Physical Classes
Under the Graded Response Action Plan's highest stage, state governments possess clear authority. They can suspend in-person classes when air quality is deemed hazardous. Educational institutions are then directed to shift to online or hybrid learning modes.
The primary goal is to reduce students' exposure to dangerous pollution. This is especially critical for younger children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.
No Official Confirmation Yet, But Precedent Suggests Closures
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding school closures for January 19. However, the imposition of GRAP Stage IV strongly indicates a reassessment of physical classes. Schools in the region had just reopened this week after closures due to extreme cold.
Parents and students are advised to stay alert. They should watch for updates from their school authorities, district administrations, or state governments. Any decision will likely be communicated through these official channels.
Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
GRAP is a structured set of emergency measures for Delhi-NCR. It aims to control rising air pollution through stage-wise restrictions. The plan activates progressively stricter curbs as air quality worsens.
- Stage 1: Implemented when AQI is between 201 and 300 (Poor category).
- Stage 2: Activated for AQI 301 to 400 (Very Poor range).
- Stage 3: Enforced when AQI hits 401 to 450 (Severe category).
- Stage 4: The highest level, triggered when AQI crosses 450 (Severe Plus).
Stage 4, now in effect, includes the suspension of physical classes in schools. The restrictions currently apply to Delhi and NCR districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Contrasting Situation in Pune for Different Reasons
Meanwhile, in a separate development, educational institutions in parts of Pune will also remain closed on Monday. This closure is not due to pollution but for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, an international cycling event.
Authorities asked schools and colleges to suspend physical classes because of extensive traffic restrictions. Several major roads will close from 9 am to 6 pm for the prologue race. The event has drawn 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries.
