Delhi Air Quality Dips to ‘Severe’; Construction Halted, Schools Shift to Hybrid Mode

Delhi Air Quality Dips to ‘Severe’; Construction Halted, Schools Shift to Hybrid Mode
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘Severe’ category on Monday, prompting authorities to impose emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), pollution at this level affects even healthy individuals and poses serious health risks to those with existing conditions. All construction and demolition activities, except for essential government projects, have been banned across the city. The Delhi government has also announced that schools up to Class 5 will shift to hybrid mode, combining online and limited in-person classes, to reduce children’s exposure to polluted air. Health officials have advised residents to avoid outdoor activities, use masks, and run air purifiers indoors. The city’s air quality index (AQI) has remained above 450 at several monitoring stations, with visibility reduced due to thick smog. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.