Authorities across Delhi-NCR region have imposed the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) IV restrictions after the air quality breached the severe mark of 400.
The Central Pollution Control Board revealed that the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 431. A AQI of 401 to 500 is considered 'severe' by CPCB. The previous worse AQI so far this year was 428, recorded on November 11.
Noida reported the worst AQI at 455, followed by Greater Noida at 442. With Air Quality Early Warning System predicting severe AQI on Sunday, there are concerns about operations of schools and offices in the national capital region in the coming week.
Will schools and offices in Delhi be closed due to GRAP 4 norms?
With GRAP 4 guidelines kicking in, online users have been asking whether schools and offices in Delhi will be closed in the coming days. There is no official announcement regarding school holidays at the time of publishing this copy. The Delhi government has ordered all public and private schools to adopt a hybrid mode till Class 11 (except Class 10).
Delhi's Education Directorate said students and their guardians have the option to choose online mode. "Further, all Heads of Schools are directed to disseminate this information to the parents and guardians of the students immediately," it added.
The government also directed government and private offices to let 50 per cent employees work from home. “Directions under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to all Government Offices under GNCTD and all Private Offices operating within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home under Graded Response Action Plan," the government stated in its order.
Within Delhi, the worst AQI was recorded at Wazirpur (445), followed by Vivek Vihar (444) and Jahangirpuri (442). Anand Vihar (439), Ashok Vihar (437) and Rohini (437), Narela (432), Patparganj (431), Mundka (430), Bawana (429), ITO (429), Nehru Nagar (429), Siri Fort (424), Sonia Vihar (424), Chandni Chowk (423) and Punjabi Bagh (423).