- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Sun, 14 Dec 2025 02:42 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi School Holiday: Following a rapid deterioration in air quality in Delhi on Saturday evening (December 13, 2025), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and adjoining areas has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures to control air pollution.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index was 431 at 4 PM on December 13, which falls under the severe category. The CAQM stated that the sub-committee on GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) has decided to implement all actions under Stage 4 of GRAP.
In light of this, lakhs of students and their parents in Delhi-NCR are eagerly awaiting updates on school closures following the imposition of GRAP Stage 4.
Are Schools Closed In Delhi-NCR?
On Saturday, the pollution control agency initially announced GRAP 3 measures, but later tightened the restrictions further and implemented Stage 4 of GRAP. Under Stage 4, even stricter rules have been implemented in addition to the restrictions imposed under GRAP 3.
With the implementation of GRAP 4 measures, state governments in Delhi and the NCR may decide to suspend physical classes for higher grades as well and switch to online classes. Governments had already been advised under GRAP Stage 3 to consider suspending physical classes or a 'hybrid mode' for students up to Class 5 and conducting classes in online mode.
AQI To Remain in the 'Severe' Category:
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecast for Delhi indicates that the air quality is likely to remain in the 'Severe' category on Sunday and improve to the 'Very Poor' category on Monday.
Classes To Be Conducted Online:
As per the CAQM order, the state governments of the NCR and the Delhi government may decide to suspend offline classes for grades 6 to 9 and grade 11 and conduct classes through online mode.
It also advises state governments in Delhi-NCR to consider additional emergency measures such as closing colleges and educational institutions, and suspending non-essential commercial activities, along with other restrictions on office operations.
We would like to inform you that with the implementation of the stringent GRAP-4 rules, Delhi will see further restrictions on schools, colleges, construction activities, commercial vehicles, and offices.
In simple terms, GRAP 4 mandates a hybrid mode for classes up to Class 5 in Delhi and the main cities of the NCR, and advises the same for classes up to Class 7. The final decision rests with the state governments. An official notification from the governments of the NCR states regarding the status of schools is awaited.