Brief Context
In News The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) as Delhi’s air quality slipped into the “Very Poor” category (AQI 301–400) ahead of winter. What is GRAP? Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
Source Content
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) as Delhi’s air quality slipped into the “Very Poor” category (AQI 301–400) ahead of winter.
- Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) limits the use of diesel generators, ban on coal and firewood etc.
What is GRAP?
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
- It was formulated by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) and enforced by CAQM from 2021.
- GRAP is divided into four stages corresponding to 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)
Why Do Air Quality Deteriorate in NCR during Winters?
- Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
- Low wind speed and temperature inversion trapping pollutants.
- Vehicular emissions, construction dust, and Diwali fireworks add to the load.
- Urban heat island effect and regional topography aggravate stagnation of pollutants.
About CAQM
- Constituted under: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
- Jurisdiction: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Purpose: To coordinate and implement region-wide measures for air quality improvement, replacing the earlier EPCA.
Source: TH