Why in the News?

Due to worsening air quality, Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi-NCR. Key measures include increased dust control, road cleaning, and restrictions on open burning. Citizens are urged to avoid dust-generating activities.

What is GRAP?

• It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
• It's implemented as an emergency response when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches "poor" levels, especially during the winter months when air quality tends to worsen.
• It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 after the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) and was notified in 2017.

Stages of GRAP

• GRAP consists of four stages, each with specific actions to be taken by relevant authorities and agencies
  • Stage I (Poor): AQI ranges from 201 to 300.
  • Stage II (Very Poor): AQI ranges from 301 to 400.
  • Stage III (Severe): AQI ranges from 401 to 450.
  • Stage IV (Severe+): AQI is greater than 450.
• As the AQI worsens, more stringent measures are implemented under each stage to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

CAQM: The Commission for Air Quality Management

• It oversees GRAP's implementation in NCR and adjoining areas.
• Collaboration: CAQM collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Sub-Committee: CAQM has formed a sub-committee to operationalize GRAP, including officials from various government agencies and experts.
• Orders and Directions: The CAQM's orders and directions take precedence over those issued by state governments in case of conflicts.