If air quality worsens, authorities may close colleges and non-essential commercial activities and consider odd-even vehicle schemes.

All schools in Delhi and the most affected NCR districts must operate in hybrid mode (online and physical), with online options for students where feasible, including higher classes VI to IX and XI.

Private offices should implement staggered hours and WFH where feasible, with essential services exempt from attendance restrictions.

Delhi-NCR is under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan as air quality deteriorates to the severe-plus category, with an AQI of about 448 per CPCB.

AQI readings across localities such as Bawana, Narela, Okhla Phase 2, Ashok Vihar, ITO, DTU, and Nehru Nagar indicate widespread unhealthy air levels across the region.

Public offices are urged to minimize in-person attendance and promote work-from-home; diesel generators are allowed only for critical services like hospitals, telecoms, data centers, and emergencies.

There is growing concern among students and parents about possible school closures or winter vacations, though no official closure has been announced yet.

Authorities must ensure strict compliance, inform schools and sports bodies, and monitor violations while educating students and parents about health risks.

Medical professionals warn of health risks from pollution and recommend light masks and reduced outdoor exposure to protect cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Directives mandate discontinuation of outdoor sports and rapid dissemination of health risk information to students and parents.

Doctors emphasize preventive measures amid pollution, including mask use and minimizing outdoor activity, with notes from Dr. Atul Mathur cited.

States may adopt additional emergency steps, potentially including school closures, restrictions on non-essential commerce, and traffic-control schemes if conditions deteriorate.