Graded Response Action Plan
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: News on Air
Context: To address the worsening air quality in Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
• What is GRAP? A framework of emergency measures aimed at preventing the further deterioration of air quality in Delhi NCR. Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 following the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case. Initially implemented by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA); now managed by CAQM since 2021.
• A framework of emergency measures aimed at preventing the further deterioration of air quality in Delhi NCR.
• Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 following the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case.
• Initially implemented by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA); now managed by CAQM since 2021.
• Implementation: Based on real-time AQI data and meteorological forecasts by IITM and IMD. GRAP measures are incremental, requiring compliance with measures from all lower stages as air quality worsens.
• Based on real-time AQI data and meteorological forecasts by IITM and IMD.
• GRAP measures are incremental, requiring compliance with measures from all lower stages as air quality worsens.
• New Revised GRAP: Came into effect on October 1, 2023, across NCR. Strengthened to handle AQI deterioration during winter.
• Came into effect on October 1, 2023, across NCR.
• Strengthened to handle AQI deterioration during winter.
• Revised GRAP Stages:
Stage | AQI Range | Actions
Stage I – Poor | 201-300 | Enforce orders on overaged diesel/petrol vehicles by NGT/SC.
Stage II – Very Poor | 301-400 | – Targeted actions at pollution hotspots.
– Regulate diesel generator operations.
Stage III – Severe | 401-450 | – Restrict BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs).
– Consider suspending physical classes up to Class V.
Stage IV – Severe+ | > 450 | – Ban entry of LCVs from outside Delhi unless they are EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel (except essential services).
– Close educational institutions and non-essential commercial activities.
– Implement odd-even traffic rules for vehicles.
Insta links:
• Air Pollution