Air pollution is a pressing concern for the National Capital Region (NCR), especially in Delhi, where smog and hazardous air quality have become a recurring problem. To combat this issue, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) recently announced a revision to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The GRAP is a set of emergency measures that come into force when the air quality reaches critical levels, aiming to prevent further deterioration and protect public health.
Background of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was initially introduced in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. It was formulated to address the rising concerns over air pollution and its adverse effects on public health in the Delhi-NCR region. The plan outlines a series of actions to be taken at different stages of deteriorating air quality to mitigate pollution levels effectively.
Implementation of the GRAP
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing the GRAP. To operationalize the plan efficiently, a sub-committee has been constituted. This body comprises officials from the CAQM, member secretaries of pollution control boards from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, the Central Pollution Control Board, as well as experts from the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) and the IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology) and a Health Advisor. The sub-committee convenes regularly to issue necessary orders to invoke the GRAP measures when required. In case of any conflicts between directions issued by State governments and the CAQM, the orders and directions of the CAQM will take precedence.
Revised Measures of the GRAP
The updated GRAP introduces four stages of measures to be taken based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels:
Stage I – ‘Poor’ Air Quality (AQI ranging between 201-300)
During this stage, the GRAP will enforce the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders to restrict the movement of over-aged diesel and petrol vehicles. These older vehicles significantly contribute to air pollution and need to be regulated to improve the air quality.
Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400)
At this stage, the GRAP will implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution in identified hotspots throughout the Delhi-NCR region. These hotspots are areas with significantly higher pollution levels, and targeted actions are necessary to reduce emissions and pollution sources.
Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450)
When the AQI reaches the ‘Severe’ category, the GRAP will impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in certain areas. Additionally, physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 may be suspended. These measures aim to reduce vehicular emissions and protect vulnerable populations, such as children, from the adverse effects of severe air pollution.
Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI greater than 450)
In the most critical stage, when the AQI exceeds 450, the GRAP will ban the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles. This measure aims to limit vehicular movement and curb pollution caused by vehicles coming from neighboring regions.