Source The Hindu
New Delhi | Sunday, January 18, 2026: Millions of students across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are unlikely to return to physical classrooms tomorrow, Monday, January 19. Following a dramatic surge in pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially reinvoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire region.
Under these emergency measures, educational institutions in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad are expected to pivot to online or hybrid learning modes to protect children from hazardous air quality.
Status Update: City-by-City
While final district-level orders are still trickling in, here is the current situation for January 19:
Delhi: The state government is expected to mandate a shift to online classes for all grades except Class 10 and 12 (who have upcoming board exams). Physical classes will likely remain suspended until air quality improves.
Noida & Greater Noida: The District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar had previously adjusted timings due to cold waves, but the imposition of GRAP-4 on Saturday evening has prompted schools to notify parents about a move to complete online mode for all classes (Pre-school to Class 12).
Gurgaon & Faridabad: Following Haryana state directives and GRAP-4 protocols, physical classes for primary and middle school students are expected to be suspended, with schools moving to virtual platforms.
Ghaziabad: Similar to Noida, Ghaziabad is expected to enforce the suspension of physical classes for most students under the latest CAQM mandate.
Why has GRAP-4 been imposed?
The decision came after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked past the 400 mark on Saturday, eventually hitting a “Severe+” level of 428 by 8:00 PM. On Sunday, January 18, dense fog and low wind speeds continued to trap pollutants, keeping visibility low and the air “hazardous.”
Key Restrictions under GRAP-4 include:
Vehicle Bans: Entry of non-essential, non-BS-VI diesel trucks into Delhi is prohibited.
Construction Halt: A total ban on all construction and demolition (C&D) activities, including public projects like highways and power lines.
Educational Shift: State governments are empowered to close schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
Work from Home: Recommendations for 50% attendance in public and private offices.
What Parents and Students Should Do
While the CAQM has issued the overarching order, the implementation of school closures is handled by local district administrations.
Advice: Most schools have already begun sending WhatsApp messages and emails to parents regarding the shift to online classes. If you have not received a notification, please check your school’s official portal or contact the administration before heading out tomorrow morning.
