Source: News on Air
Context:
The Delhi government has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) after the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 400, entering the ‘Severe’ category for the first time this season. The move comes as part of the region’s coordinated air pollution control strategy to curb emissions and safeguard public health.
About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a dynamic and adaptive pollution-control framework designed to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). It prescribes stage-wise actions based on daily AQI readings to ensure timely intervention.
Established In: 2017, following directions from the Supreme Court of India, based on recommendations of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
Organisation Involved:
Implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Delhi Government
- State Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Aim: To reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR through graded, coordinated, and evidence-based actions, thereby protecting public health and aligning with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) objectives.
Key Features:
- Four-Stage Response System (Based on AQI Levels):
- Stage I: Poor (AQI 201–300)
- Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301–400)
- Stage III: Severe (AQI 401–450)
- Stage IV: Severe+ (AQI >450)
- Progressive Restrictions:
- Each stage includes measures from all preceding stages.
- Stage III Measures Include:
- Ban on construction and demolition activities (except essential projects).
- Prohibition of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
- Closure of primary schools up to Class 5.
- Encouragement of work-from-home and carpooling to reduce vehicular load.
- Exemptions:
- Essential services (healthcare, defence, metro, railways, sanitation) continue but must follow strict dust and emission control norms.
