Delhi's Air Quality Action Plan: Understanding GRAP Stages and Citizen Role
A public notice from DPCC explains the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stages and citizen actions to combat air pollution in Delhi.
Photo by Abhishek Choudhary
Background Context
Why It Matters Now
Key Takeaways
- •Understand the different AQI categories and their corresponding GRAP stages.
- •Be aware of the specific actions required from citizens during each GRAP stage.
- •Recognize the health implications of poor air quality and follow health advisories.
- •Know the role of bodies like DPCC and CAQM in air pollution management.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a public notice detailing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the actions citizens should take based on different Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. This notice outlines specific measures for Stage I (Poor), Stage II (Very Poor), Stage III (Severe), and Stage IV (Severe+) air quality.
It emphasizes collective effort to improve air quality, providing health advisories and citizen charters for each stage, such as minimizing personal vehicle use, avoiding dust-generating activities, and staying indoors during severe pollution. This initiative is crucial for managing Delhi's recurring air pollution crisis, especially during winter months.
Key Facts
DPCC public notice outlines GRAP stages and citizen actions.
GRAP categorizes air quality into Poor (Stage I), Very Poor (Stage II), Severe (Stage III), and Severe+ (Stage IV).
Actions include vehicle tuning, public transport use, avoiding open waste burning, and construction restrictions.
Health advisories recommend avoiding outdoor physical activities during higher pollution levels.
UPSC Exam Angles
Environmental governance and policy effectiveness (GRAP, CAQM, DPCC)
Public health implications of air pollution and mitigation strategies
Inter-state cooperation and challenges in environmental management (e.g., stubble burning)
Role of statutory bodies and legal frameworks (Environment Protection Act, Air Act)
Citizen participation and behavioral change in environmental protection
Visual Insights
Delhi's GRAP: AQI Triggers and Citizen Actions
This flowchart illustrates how different Air Quality Index (AQI) levels trigger specific stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, along with the corresponding actions expected from citizens and authorities.
- 1.AQI 201-300 (Poor)
- 2.Stage I (Poor) Actions: Ban construction/demolition activities (except essential projects), enforce PUC norms, sprinkle water, ban diesel generators (if needed). Citizen Role: Minimize personal vehicle use, avoid dust-generating activities.
- 3.AQI 301-400 (Very Poor)
- 4.Stage II (Very Poor) Actions: Ban use of coal/firewood in restaurants, increase parking fees, intensify public transport. Citizen Role: Use public transport, avoid outdoor activities, work from home if possible.
- 5.AQI 401-450 (Severe)
- 6.Stage III (Severe) Actions: Ban construction/demolition (stricter), ban brick kilns/hot mix plants, restrict non-essential commercial vehicles. Citizen Role: Stay indoors, avoid strenuous activities, wear masks.
- 7.AQI >450 (Severe+)
- 8.Stage IV (Severe+) Actions: Ban entry of trucks (except essential), ban plying of non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles, consider odd-even scheme, close educational institutions. Citizen Role: Strict adherence to health advisories, avoid all outdoor activities.
GRAP Implementation Area: Delhi-NCR
This map highlights the National Capital Region (NCR), the primary geographical area where the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented to manage air quality.
Loading interactive map...
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR), consider the following statements: 1. GRAP is implemented by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. The plan specifies actions for four stages of air quality, ranging from 'Poor' to 'Severe+', based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). 3. Measures under GRAP Stage IV ('Severe+') include a ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi and a complete halt to construction and demolition activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While DPCC implements measures within Delhi, GRAP's overall implementation and supervision for the NCR is primarily overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, which replaced the EPCA. CAQM is a statutory body, not directly under MoEFCC's day-to-day supervision for implementation, though MoEFCC notified GRAP. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. GRAP indeed outlines four stages (Poor, Very Poor, Severe, Severe+) based on AQI, and Stage IV ('Severe+') includes stringent measures like banning truck entry (except essential services) and halting construction/demolition.
2. In the context of air pollution and its management in India, which of the following statements about major air pollutants is NOT correct?
- A.Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) are primary pollutants directly emitted from sources like vehicles and industries.
- B.Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.
- C.Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas primarily produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass.
- D.Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is mainly associated with vehicular emissions and contributes significantly to acid rain.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement D is NOT correct. While Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) does contribute significantly to acid rain, its primary source is the combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels, mainly from thermal power plants and industrial processes, not primarily vehicular emissions. Vehicular emissions are more associated with Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Particulate Matter (PM). Statements A, B, and C are correct descriptions of the respective pollutants.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the legal and institutional framework for air quality management in India: 1. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is an umbrella legislation that empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving environmental quality. 2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. 3. The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, guiding environmental compensation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is indeed a comprehensive legislation providing broad powers to the Central Government for environmental protection. Statement 2 is correct. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, and has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment. Statement 3 is incorrect. The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is a guiding principle in environmental law, recognized and applied by Indian courts (including the Supreme Court), but it is not explicitly enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 21. Article 21 (Right to Life) has been interpreted to include the right to a clean environment, but the 'Polluter Pays Principle' is a legal principle for liability, not a fundamental right itself.
Related Articles
Nine Cheetahs from Botswana Released into Kuno National Park
Mosquitoes started biting humans 1.8 million years ago, study reveals
EV mandate in Delhi NCR faces opposition from automakers
NGT Reconstituted with Experts, Primarily Former Government Officers
India to Receive Eight Cheetahs from Botswana for Project Revival
Source Articles
DPCC tightens watch: Daily inspection of pollution hotspots, separate SOP for polluting industries | Delhi News - The Indian Express
Digital helpdesk, drones for monitoring: Pollution control panel plans to leverage tech in Delhi | Delhi News - The Indian Express
Crowdsourcing innovation to curb air pollution in Delhi: Govt announces rewards of up to Rs 50 lakh | Delhi News - The Indian Express
‘Lead by example’: DPCC asks its employees to stop using plastic bottles | Delhi News - The Indian Express
‘Like giving Louis Vuitton to the starving’: NGT slams DPCC for spending green fund on ads | Delhi News - The Indian Express