Delhi Chokes: GRAP Measures Intensify Amid Toxic Air, SC Upholds School Closures
Delhi battles severe air pollution with GRAP measures, including WFH and vehicle bans, while the SC backs school closures.
Photo by Chris LeBoutillier
Quick Revision
AQI in 'Very Poor' category (around 334)
GRAP measures include 50% WFH for private offices and ban on non-BS VI diesel vehicles
Supreme Court upheld school closures for students up to Class 5
Dust pollution from construction and roads is a major contributor
₹10,000 compensation announced for verified workers affected by GRAP
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Delhi-NCR Air Quality Status & GRAP Implementation Zones (December 2025)
This map illustrates the critical air quality situation in Delhi and the broader National Capital Region (NCR), where stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures are currently in force due to 'Very Poor' AQI levels. It highlights the primary affected area and the geographical scope of the emergency environmental policy.
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Key Metrics of Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis & GRAP Response (December 2025)
A snapshot of critical figures from the current air pollution situation in Delhi, highlighting the severity of the Air Quality Index, the government's response through GRAP measures, and the socio-economic impact on daily wage earners.
- Current AQI (Delhi)
- 334
- GRAP Stage Active
- Stage III/IV
- Private Office WFH Mandate
- 50%
- Compensation for Labourers
- ₹10,000
Falls into 'Very Poor' category, indicating significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Triggers GRAP Stage III/IV measures.
Indicates severe pollution levels. Measures include WFH, construction bans, vehicle restrictions. GRAP stages were revised in 2022 for earlier action.
A key GRAP measure to reduce vehicular emissions and public exposure. Reflects the severity of the situation and the government's intervention.
A social welfare measure to mitigate the economic impact of GRAP restrictions on daily wage earners, highlighting the human cost of environmental policies.
Exam Angles
Environmental pollution and its causes (air pollution, dust pollution)
Environmental governance and policy (GRAP, CAQM, Environment Protection Act)
Role of judiciary in environmental protection (Supreme Court's intervention)
Socio-economic impact of environmental policies (daily wage labourers, informal sector)
Sustainable development and balancing economic growth with environmental concerns
Vehicular emission norms (BS-VI) and their implementation
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution, prompting the implementation of stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures. The Delhi government has mandated 50% work-from-home for private offices and banned the entry of non-BS VI diesel vehicles into the city. Despite these efforts, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'Very Poor' category (around 334), with dust pollution from construction sites and roads continuing to be a major contributor, as observed in areas like Rohini.
The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Delhi government's order to close schools for students up to Class 5, emphasizing the health risks to children. However, these curbs have a significant human cost: daily wage labourers, particularly at 'labour chowks', are left without work and income, highlighting the socio-economic impact of environmental policies. The government has announced ₹10,000 compensation for verified workers affected by GRAP rules.
Background
Latest Developments
The recent news highlights the intensification of GRAP measures in Delhi due to 'Very Poor' AQI levels. These measures include work-from-home mandates, bans on non-BS VI diesel vehicles, and construction restrictions. The Supreme Court has intervened, upholding school closures, underscoring the health emergency.
A significant aspect highlighted is the socio-economic impact on daily wage labourers, prompting government compensation efforts. This situation brings to the forefront the challenges of balancing environmental protection with economic livelihoods and effective governance.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for air pollution in the National Capital Region, consider the following statements: 1. GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas. 2. GRAP Stage IV ('Severe+' category) is invoked when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses the 450 mark. 3. The measures under GRAP are primarily reactive, focusing on emergency responses rather than long-term prevention. 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: D
Statement 1 is correct: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas is the statutory body responsible for implementing GRAP. It replaced the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). Statement 2 is correct: GRAP Stage IV, categorized as 'Severe+', is indeed invoked when the AQI crosses the 450 mark, leading to stringent measures like a ban on non-essential construction and entry of non-BS VI diesel vehicles. Statement 3 is correct: While GRAP is crucial for emergency management, its design is primarily reactive, focusing on mitigating pollution spikes rather than addressing the root causes through long-term, preventive strategies. This is a common criticism of GRAP.
2. Regarding air pollution and vehicular emission norms in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The 'Very Poor' category of the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 301 to 400. 2. Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission norms mandate a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions compared to BS IV norms. 3. The entry of non-BS VI diesel vehicles into Delhi is banned under GRAP Stage III measures. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls under the 'Very Poor' category. Statement 2 is correct: BS VI norms are significantly stricter than BS IV, particularly for diesel vehicles, requiring a substantial reduction in NOx (by 70% for diesel cars) and PM (by 80% for diesel cars) emissions. They also introduced Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing. Statement 3 is correct: The news article mentions the ban on non-BS VI diesel vehicles as part of intensified GRAP measures, which typically fall under Stage III or IV depending on the severity. Specifically, the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) is part of Stage III, while the ban on BS-IV diesel LMVs (if not already covered) and other non-BS VI diesel vehicles can be part of Stage III/IV depending on the specific notification. The news states 'banned the entry of non-BS VI diesel vehicles into the city', which aligns with the stringent measures under GRAP Stage III/IV.
3. In the context of environmental policies and their socio-economic implications, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Right to Livelihood' is implicitly recognized as part of the 'Right to Life' under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. 2. Environmental regulations, while crucial for public health, can disproportionately affect the informal sector and daily wage earners. 3. Compensation schemes for workers affected by environmental curbs are a novel concept in India, introduced only recently for air pollution measures. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct: The Supreme Court of India, through various judgments (e.g., Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation), has held that the 'Right to Livelihood' is an integral part of the 'Right to Life' guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Statement 2 is correct: Environmental regulations, such as construction bans or restrictions on certain vehicles, often lead to temporary or permanent job losses, particularly impacting daily wage labourers and those in the informal sector who lack social security nets. This is a significant socio-economic cost of environmental protection. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the specific compensation for GRAP-affected workers might be recent, the concept of compensation or rehabilitation for those displaced or affected by public projects or policies (including environmental ones like forest conservation or dam construction) is not entirely novel in India. Various schemes and policies have existed in different contexts.
4. Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India's environmental governance?
- A.The NGT has original jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment, irrespective of the specific environmental law involved.
- B.It was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to provide for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection.
- C.The NGT is mandated to apply the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the polluter pays principle in its judgments.
- D.Appeals against the orders of the NGT can only be made to the Supreme Court, bypassing the High Courts.
Show Answer
Answer: C
A) Incorrect. The NGT's original jurisdiction is specifically over civil cases arising out of the implementation of the laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010 (e.g., Water Act, Air Act, Environment Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, etc.), not all environmental cases. B) Incorrect. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. C) Correct. Section 20 of the NGT Act, 2010, explicitly mandates the Tribunal to apply the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the polluter pays principle while passing any order, decision, or award. D) Incorrect. Appeals against an order, decision, or award of the NGT lie directly to the Supreme Court, but this does not mean High Courts are entirely bypassed in all environmental matters. However, for NGT specific appeals, it is directly to SC.