The Delhi government has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached 400

About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

• It is a statutory framework that specifies stage-wise measures to be implemented to combat deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region.

• It provides predefined actions based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.Established In 2017, following the directions of the Supreme Court of India, based on recommendations by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• Enforcement Authority: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees implementation of GRAP.
• GRAP is divided into four stages corresponding to AQI levels:
• • Stage 1: Poor category (AQI 201 to 300).
  • Stage 2: Very poor category (AQI 301-400).
  • Stage 3: Severe category (AQI 401-450). 
  • Stage 4: Severe + category (AQI 451+).

Restrictions under GRAP Stage III

• Complete ban on dust-generating construction and demolition activities, such as:
  • Demolition work
  • Excavation or earthwork for laying sewer, water, drainage, or electrical lines
  • Brick or masonry work
  • Major welding and gas-cutting operations
  • Painting, cementing, plastering, or coating work
  • Tile cutting, grinding, and fixing
  • Waterproofing and road repair or construction work
  • Loading, unloading, or transfer of dust-generating materials
  • Movement of vehicles carrying construction materials on unpaved roads
  • Transportation of demolition waste
• Vehicle restrictions
• • Restrictions have been imposed on the type and make of vehicles plying Delhi roads as well.
  • Ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar
  • Ban on Delhi-registered diesel medium goods vehicles of BS-III standard or lower
  • Ban on entry of diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) of BS-III or below, registered outside Delhi
  • Only electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel inter-state buses from NCR states will be allowed into Delhi, except for All India Tourist Permit buses and tempo travellers
• Other measures
  • NCR and Delhi governments to consider shifting classes up to Grade V to online mode
  • Intensification of mechanised road sweeping
  • Strengthening of public transport through differential fare systems
  • Closure of all stone crushers and mining operations across NCR

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What Is Air Pollution And How Is It Measured In India?

• Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.Common Sources Of Air Pollution: Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires.
• Pollutants Of Major Public Health Concern: It include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. 
• Measurement – AQI: India uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) framework developed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2014, measuring eight major pollutants (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃ and Lead) and converting them into a scale (0-500) where higher values indicate worse air quality. 

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