Delhi Pollution Update: GRAP-III Activated for Severe Air Quality

• GRAP-III: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked a set of restrictions on November 2 under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
• Poor Air Quality: Stage III of Graded Response Action Plan, designated for ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI > 400), with immediate effect as a precautionary step to avoid further deterioration of overall air quality in the NCR.
• Restrictive actions mentioned in Stage-I and Stage II of Graded Response Action Plan will also be applicable.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Combating Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

• It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. 
• It was introduced as an emergency response mechanism, and its implementation is triggered when the AQI reaches “poor” levels.
• Implementation of GRAP: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan. 
• It collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Different Stages of GRAP to Tackle Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

• Revision of GRAP: Graded Response Action Plan was revised as the CAQM “anticipated deterioration of air quality in NCR during winter months.
• Graded Response Action Plan consists of four stages, each with targeted actions to be taken by the necessary authorities and agencies. 
  • Stage I – “Poor” air quality (Delhi AQI: 201-300): Strict enforcement of regulations on overaged diesel/petrol vehicles.
  • Stage II – “Very Poor” air quality (Delhi AQI: 301-400): Focused action in identified pollution hotspots.
    • Limited operation hours for certain diesel generators.
  • Stage III – “Severe” air quality (Delhi AQI: 401-450): Restrictions on specific vehicles in certain districts.
    • Possible shift to online classes for younger students.
  • Stage IV – “Severe+” air quality (Delhi AQI > 450): Stringent entry restrictions for vehicles from outside Delhi.
    • Potential closure of educational institutions and non-essential businesses.

GRAP Stage III: 8-Point Action Plan to Curb Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

1. Mechanised/Vacuum-Based Sweeping of Roads: Intensify the frequency of mechanised/vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
2. Dust Suppression and Water Sprinkling: Ensure daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants before peak traffic hours on roads and right of ways, including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, and ensure proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/landfills.
3. Enhanced Public Transport Services: Further intensify public transport services and introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
4. Construction & Demolition Activities: Strict bans imposed on several construction and demolition activities, except for specific exemptions concerning vital services and projects.
5. Closure of Stone Crushers: Close down operations of stone crushers.
6. Mining Activities: Close down all mining and associated activities in the NCR.
7. Restrictions on BS III and BS IV Vehicles: NCR State Govts./GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
8. Online Education for Young Children: State Governments in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode.

Significance of GRAP – Empowering Public Health

• Safeguarding Public Health: GRAP is pivotal in safeguarding public health, especially during peak pollution seasons.
• Proactive Pollution Management: Its proactive approach ensures that measures are taken before air quality deteriorates significantly, preventing adverse health effects and environmental damage.
• Adaptive Pollution Control: The plan’s dynamic nature allows it to adapt to changing pollution levels, providing a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution.

Conclusion:

• The implementation of GRAP Stage III in Delhi-NCR marks a crucial step in combating air pollution, focusing on the significance of proactive measures for public health and environmental sustainability. Its adaptive nature and stringent actions underscore its pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of the region