As Delhi’s air turned dangerously toxic, the city government on November 11 ordered all schools to shift to hybrid mode for students up to Class 5, giving parents the choice to move their children to online learning.

The move follows the Centre’s enforcement of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — a set of emergency anti-pollution measures triggered when air quality hits critical levels.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) surged from 362 on November 10 to 425 on November 11 morning, pushing the capital deep into the ‘severe’ category. Officials attributed the spike to stagnant weather, calm winds, and atmospheric conditions that trapped pollutants close to the ground.

With GRAP Stage III now in force, sweeping restrictions have taken effect across Delhi-NCR. These include a ban on non-essential construction, closure of stone crushers and mining activities, and curbs on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and nearby districts. Exemptions have been granted for persons with disabilities.

Authorities have urged residents — especially young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues — to avoid outdoor exposure. Schools have been asked to stay alert to government advisories and modify schedules as needed, as Delhi continues to choke under one of its worst pollution spells of the season.