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. 

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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).

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Key Features of Revised Graded Response Action Plan (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 Revised Graded Response Action Plan (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.

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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.