The Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, is currently experiencing severe air quality and a cold wave, leading to significant disruptions. As of January 20, 2026, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas remains in the 'severe' or 'very poor' category, with specific locations often exceeding the 400-mark. This alarming pollution level, compounded by dense fog and cold temperatures, has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reimpose Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Under GRAP Stage IV, strict anti-pollution measures are implemented, and significant changes to school operations are mandated. The CAQM directed that classes for students, excluding those in Grades 10 and 12, are to shift to a 'hybrid mode' in Delhi and its neighboring NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida). This means students can opt for either online or physical attendance where feasible. While many individual private and public schools in Delhi have reportedly moved to complete online learning for all grades, especially for younger students, specific orders for other NCR areas show variations. Notably, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar (which includes Noida and Greater Noida) issued an order revising school operating hours to 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for all government and private schools, with classes continuing physically, citing dense fog and extreme cold weather. However, the overall sentiment among authorities and parents across Delhi-NCR remains focused on prioritizing children's health and safety amid the ongoing environmental crisis. The situation is being continuously monitored, and further decisions are anticipated based on prevailing air quality levels.