GRAP Stage III invoked, schools move classes 1 to 5 to hybrid mode

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas, a body under the Centre, has invoked the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, effective immediately.

“As of now, Stage- I & II of extant schedule of GRAP are in force vide order dated 14.1O.2025 & 19.10.2025,” said a statement from the Commission.

The Air Quality Index, which was 362 on Monday, November 10 suddenly shot up to 425 on Tuesday, November 11 morning forcing the commission to take the action. 

“Noting a sharp increase in AQI levels of Delhi, the Sub-Committee on GRAP in its urgent meeting held today, reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/llTM forecasts and observed as under: The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 362 for 10.11.2025 ('Very Poor' Category), exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 425 ('Severe' Category) at 9:O0 AM on 11.11.2025 outing to calm winds, stable atmosphere and unfauourable meteorological conditions,” it added in the statement.

The following measures will be taken under Stage III:

• Ban on non-essential construction work
• Complete ban on any demolition work
• Closure of stone crushers and mining activities
• Classes up to Grade 5 are required to switch to hybrid mode
• Use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is restricted, with exemptions for persons with disabilities
• Commuters are encouraged to use public transport

Tags : GRAP III, Air Quality Index, New Delhi, Pollution