The worsening air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging into the ‘Severe’ category, has forced district administrations in Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar) and Ghaziabad to implement strict measures for schools and coaching centers. This move follows the invocation of the most stringent anti-pollution curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV across the entire Delhi-NCR region.
Revised School Classifications
To prioritize children’s health while maintaining academic continuity, the Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad district administrations announced a revised schedule for physical attendance, effective until further notice.
| Class Level | Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar) | Ghaziabad |
| Pre-Nursery / Nursery to Class V | Entirely Online Mode | Entirely Online Mode |
| Classes VI to IX | Hybrid Format (Physical and Online combined) | Hybrid Format (Physical and Online combined) |
| Class XI | Hybrid Format (Physical and Online combined) | Hybrid Format (Physical and Online combined) |
| Classes X and XII | Not specified in this order (typically continue physical classes) | Not specified in this order (typically continue physical classes) |
The official orders from the District Inspector of Schools in Ghaziabad and the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration explicitly directed all headmasters, principals, and coaching center operators to ensure strict compliance with the new arrangements.
GRAP Stage-IV Enforcement
The decision comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage-IV, which is triggered when the AQI crosses the 450 mark and enters the ‘Severe Plus’ category. This level of pollution poses serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations like children.
The measures adopted by Noida and Ghaziabad mirror the directive issued by the Delhi government, which also mandated that classes for students up to Class IX and XI be conducted in a hybrid mode wherever online classes are feasible. The Delhi Directorate of Education added that students and their guardians will have the choice to attend classes online where that option is available.
The shift to hybrid and online learning is one of the many stringent measures enforced under GRAP Stage-IV, which also includes a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities and severe restrictions on the movement of non-compliant vehicles across the NCR.