The national capital continued to reel under a thick blanket of toxic smog on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘severe’ category for the third consecutive day. The persistent haze drastically reduced visibility and left residents struggling to breathe clean air.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Geeta Colony–Laxmi Nagar Road area recorded an AQI of 413 on Wednesday morning. Areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path were similarly shrouded in dense smog, with AQI levels touching 408.

Other parts of the city fared no better: Alipur (431), Anand Vihar (438), Ashok Vihar (439), Chandni Chowk (449), Dwarka Sector-8 (422), ITO (433), Jahangirpuri (446), RK Puram (432), and Rohini (442) all reported severely polluted air. Experts have warned that sustained exposure to such hazardous pollution levels can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.

In view of the worsening air quality, the Delhi government has announced the implementation of hybrid learning for students up to Class 5, effective Wednesday. The decision comes under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 measures, which are currently in force across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Tuesday, “Safety measures are being implemented swiftly under GRAP Phase-3. From Wednesday, classes up to Class 5 will be conducted online. Hybrid mode will remain in effect in schools.”

The Delhi Education Department also issued a circular directing all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools — including those under NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board — to conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode (both physical and online) until further notice.

Director of Education Vedita Reddy instructed all school heads to immediately inform parents and guardians about the new arrangements.

Meanwhile, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday held a review meeting to assess the pollution crisis in the NCR. He directed all states and union territories with offices in the region to submit detailed action-taken reports on pollution control measures.