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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday invoked Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) and Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality of Delhi) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective immediately across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated.
According to the official order, "The AQI of Delhi for 14.01.2025 which reported as 275, exhibited a sharp increasing trend on 15.01.2025 and logging the AQI of 386 owing to dense foggy conditions and low temperatures leading to extremely low mixing height & ventilation coefficient for dispersion of pollutants." "The Sub-Committee further analysed the air quality scenario and noted that AQI has increased to 393 at 5:00 PM and 396 at 6:00 PM respectively owing to sharply increasing trend of pollutant concentrations due to unfavorable conditions. AQI is further likely to breach the 400 mark as predicted by IMD/ IITM.," the order further reads. The Supreme Court, in its earlier directives, had emphasized, "If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced." Following this, the Directorate of Education, Delhi government issued orders to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI. The order applies to all government, government-aided, unaided recognized private schools under DOE, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board. The official order reads, "All Heads of Schools of Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX & XI in a 'Hybrid Mode' i.e., both in physical and online mode." On January 12, CAQM revoked Stage-III measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The CAQM's approach aligns with the Supreme Court's directive issued in December 2024, mandating immediate escalation of GRAP measures if the AQI surpasses critical thresholds. (ANI)
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