Revised GRAP

Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has updated  Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent the deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.

What is Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)?

• It is a statutory body.

• This body monitors air pollution  in the National Capital Region (NCR).
  • It also coordinates with different states and departments. 
• Jurisdiction: covers  Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Powers: It can impose fines on polluters. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

• GRAP is a set of emergency actions to prevent further worsening of air quality in Delhi-NCR when pollution levels cross a certain limit.
• Approval: GRAP was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 after the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case.

• Start: It was officially implemented in 2017.
• GRAP Purpose: Works as an emergency alert system, guiding governments to act based on pollution severity.

• Implementation

• • Current Authority (Since 2021): The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing GRAP measures.
  • Previous Authority (Until 2020): The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) managed GRAP implementation until it was dissolved in 2020.
  • Forecasting: CAQM uses air quality and weather forecasts provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Key Features of GRAP

• Focus Shift: GRAP now focuses on the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) instead of just PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
• Expanded Pollutants: The AQI includes eight pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia, and lead.
• Four Pollution Stages: GRAP categorizes pollution into four stages based on AQI levels: Poor, Very Poor, Severe, and Severe+.
  • Stage I: Poor (AQI 201-300)
  • Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400)
  • Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450)
  • Stage IV: Severe+ (AQI > 450)

• Evolution from Reactive to Proactive Measures

• • Old Approach: Earlier, actions were triggered only after 3 consecutive days of severe pollution.
  • New Approach: Now, the system forecasts pollution levels for 3 days.
  • Impact of Vehicles: Half of Delhi’s pollution during winters is due to vehicles, according to the Decision Support System (DSS).

Challenges in Implementing GRAP

• Construction Restrictions: Construction activities that cause dust pollution are banned under Stage III, except for critical public projects.
• Coordination Issues: There are concerns about the ability of NCR departments to coordinate and enforce measures effectively.
• Vehicle Emissions Control:
  • The pollution under-control certificate system is not effective in identifying polluting vehicles.
  • Remote sensing devices have been introduced to identify gross polluters.
• Vehicle Compliance: A study shows 89% of Delhi’s vehicles meet BS-IV or BS-VI standards, while 11% are pre-BS-IV models.
• Public Awareness: Citizens often remain unaware of pollution alerts and necessary actions.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Way forward

• While the revised GRAP helps control winter pollution, it focuses on symptoms, not causes.
• Long-term progress needs systemic reforms, such as better waste management and year-round vehicle emissions control.
• Coordinated Efforts:
• • GRAP should be implemented consistently, aligned with the Policy to Curb Pollution for Delhi-NCR, which offers short-, medium-, and long-term solutions for all sectors.

DOWNLOAD PDF