GRAP rules revised: Nod to hybrid learning till Class V in severe AQI

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday introduced a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) mandating hybrid classes till Class V when air quality worsens in the National Capital.

In the ‘severe’ category, where AQI ranges from 401 to 450, vehicular restrictions will be tightened, hybrid learning for students up to Class V will be mandated in Delhi and its surrounding districts, blending online and physical classes to reduce exposure to polluted air.

GRAP is an emergency response mechanism based on daily average AQI levels. Actions previously reserved for higher AQI levels have been shifted to earlier stages, enabling quicker and more effective responses.

New measures

Actions previously reserved for higher AQI levels have been shifted to earlier stages

BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi and key NCR districts prohibited

In cases of ‘Severe+’ air quality, hybrid learning will be extended to higher grades

Staggering of work hours for central government offices in the NCR

In ‘very poor’ category, the use of diesel generators will be regulated more strictly

RWAs required to provide electric heaters to workers to avoid open burning of bio-mass

Inter-state buses entering Delhi to be limited to those running on cleaner fuels

The operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi and key NCR districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar will be prohibited, except for vehicles carrying essential commodities or services, the guidelines read.

In cases of ‘Severe+’ air quality, when AQI exceeds 450, hybrid learning will be extended to higher grades as well. Staggering of work hours for central government offices in the NCR may also be implemented to alleviate traffic and reduce emissions during peak hours.

For the ‘Very Poor’ category, with AQI levels ranging from 301 to 400, the plan includes the use of diesel generators will now be regulated more strictly with dual-fuel systems or retrofitted emission control devices mandated for specific generator capacities. Intensified mechanical sweeping and daily water sprinkling of roads to suppress dust, especially in traffic-heavy areas will be done. Resident Welfare Associations have been asked to provide electric heaters to workers to avoid open burning of bio-mass. Inter-state buses entering Delhi will be limited to those running on cleaner fuels like EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.