Schools across Delhi-NCR are likely to remain closed on Monday, January 19 in continuance with the imposition of GRAP IV restrictions across the region, as authorities weigh the continuation of online or hybrid learning in response to worsening air quality in the area.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently enforced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV restrictions across the national-capital region as pollution levels entered the ‘severe plus’ category in the AQIindex.
Rising AQI levels
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered up to 400 on Saturday afternoon, bordering the ‘severe’ category, before worsening further to 428 by night. Neighbouring cities including Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram also recorded ‘very poor’ air quality levels.
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Schools in Delhi-NCR had remained closed earlier this week due to severe cold conditions and extreme fog prevalent in the region and had been scheduled to reopen from January 16.
However, the sudden spike in pollution and the imposition of GRAP Stage IV is likely to prompt authorities in the region to reassess the continuation of physical classes, especially for younger students.
As of now, there is no official confirmation on school closures for Monday, January 19. Parents and students are advised to stay updated with relevant information as and when further details are shared through official circulars by their respective school authorities, district administration or state-governments.
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What is GRAP?
GRAP, or the Graded Response Action Plan, refers to a line of strategic emergency measures developed to control rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It consists of four escalating stages based on fixed AQI thresholds:
Stage I: AQI 201–300 (Poor)
Stage II: AQI 301–400 (Very Poor)
Stage III: AQI 401–450 (Severe)
Stage IV: AQI above 450 (Severe Plus)
GRAP lays down stage-wise restrictions on mobility and construction across different regions based on AQI levels, with stricter curbs coming into effect as pollution worsens.
Are schools closed under GRAP-4?
Yes, under GRAP Stage 4, physical classes in schools are generally suspended. Based on previous precedents, under the imposition of GRAP IV, educational institutions are generally directed to shift to online or hybrid learning mode of learning to reduce students’ exposure to hazardous air conditions.
As of January 18, 2026, GRAP-IV restrictions have been reimposed across Delhi and NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, following a sharp deterioration in air quality.
Under GRAP Stage IV, state governments have the authority to suspend in-person classes and shift schools to online or hybrid modes if air quality is deemed hazardous. |
