Delhi Schools Resume In-Person Classes as Air Quality Improves

The Supreme Court approved easing pollution restrictions from GRAP Stage 4 to Stage 2, allowing schools to reopen after weeks of severe air pollution.

Delhi's air quality improved to the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 165, the cleanest December air in four years.
The Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease restrictions to GRAP Stage 2 but mandated immediate reinstatement of stricter measures if AQI rises above 350 or 400.
Schools in Delhi, previously closed due to hazardous air pollution, have now reopened for physical classes following the relaxation of restrictions.
Stage 2 restrictions, including bans on coal and firewood use, remain in place to prevent a return to severe pollution levels.
Meteorologists warn that air quality may degrade to the 'poor' category in the coming days as wind speeds slow and temperatures drop.