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DELHI · AIR QUALITY

Delhi schools and pollution

How GRAP stages change school days in winter, and how to protect children on bad-air days.

IN SHORT

When Delhi's air quality turns severe, the Commission for Air Quality Management enforces stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). At the higher stages, schools in Delhi-NCR are told to move some or all classes to hybrid or online mode, usually starting with the youngest children. The Directorate of Education and the school announce each change.

Updated · Mayo International School, Patparganj, East Delhi

Plan
GRAP (CAQM)
Usual season
November–January
Announced by
DoE and school

How it usually works

The exact classes covered at each stage are set in the current GRAP schedule and DoE orders.

Stages I–IINormal school; outdoor activities may be limited
Stage IIIYounger classes may move to hybrid or online
Stage IVMost classes may move to hybrid or online

On bad-air days

  • Check the AQI before outdoor play
  • Use a well-fitted N95 mask for older children outdoors
  • Keep windows shut at peak hours; air purifiers help in bedrooms
  • Watch for coughing or wheezing in children with asthma

Questions parents ask

Are Delhi schools closed in pollution?

At higher GRAP stages schools are told to move some or all classes to hybrid or online mode. Watch for DoE orders and school messages.

Sources

Rules change each year: check the official notice for your year. Mayo's own figures come from the school's records.

Questions about school holidays?

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