On January 18, Delhi-NCR woke up to hazardous air quality. The air felt thick as a blanket of smog covered the area and slashed health risks. It left authorities with no choice but to reimpose GRAP-4 restrictions. Moreover, authorities are mulling over shutting schools on Monday, January 19. Could these regions switch to online classes in the coming days? Read on!
Delhi-NCR Region Grapples Under Grap-4 Restrictions
As per a report by The Indian Express, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cold wave alert in many parts of Delhi. This is owing to the continued harsh winter weather in the coming week. Extreme pollution combined with intense cold and smog has raised health concerns, especially for children. With GRAP-4 restrictions in place, authorities are now considering a step further.
This could mean keeping schools closed, shifting to online classes and even implementing hybrid modes. Smog engulfed areas, slashed visibility, health risks escalated, and the air felt thick in Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning. An official decision is yet to be made regarding school closure. Parents and students remain anxious about the pollution levels and await a decision that will prioritise the safety and well-being of children amid the capital’s growing winter weather crisis.
Also Read: Kangra Bans Trekking Above 3000m For Safety Reasons & Unpredictable Weather; Check New Rules
As AQI Nears Severe+ Category, Online Classes The Future?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is close to the Severe+ category. This worsened further by Sunday morning. Both smog and fog reduced the city’s visibility. Neighbouring NCR cities like Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida reported very poor air quality and intensified health risks across the region.
Moreover, as per a report by The Indian Express, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed the immediate reimposition of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV. This involves the strictest set of anti-pollution measures that will lead to a decline in air quality.
Also Read: India Weather: Cold Wave Alerts In Delhi, Himachal, Uttarakhand; Rain Expected In Tamil Nadu
As per the report by The Indian Express, all students except for those attending the Classes 10 and 12 board exams may need to opt for online or hybrid classes. This is across Delhi and NCR regions, including Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Folks in Delhi-NCR stay updated on other news on this matter.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Prami.ap90
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: January 18, 2026 5:45 PM