Delhi Lifts GRAP III Curbs as Air Quality Improves, But Concerns Remain
Delhi temporarily lifts GRAP III restrictions as AQI improves, but warns of potential return to 'Very Poor' levels.
Photo by Gunnar Ridderström
Delhi's air quality has seen a temporary improvement, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift the stringent GRAP III restrictions. This means a rollback of measures like bans on construction and demolition activities, brick kilns, and stone crushers. The decision came as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below the 'Severe' category.
However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a likely deterioration in air quality to 'Very Poor' levels in the coming week due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, including reduced wind speed and increased fog. This cyclical pattern highlights the persistent challenge of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the need for long-term, sustainable solutions beyond emergency measures.
Key Facts
GRAP III curbs lifted in Delhi
AQI improved from 'Severe' to 'Very Poor' or 'Poor' category
IMD forecasts return to 'Very Poor' AQI next week
CAQM is the body that lifted the curbs
UPSC Exam Angles
Environmental governance and regulatory bodies (CAQM, CPCB)
Air pollution causes, effects, and mitigation strategies
Government policies and initiatives (GRAP, NCAP)
Meteorological factors influencing air quality
Sustainable development and urban planning challenges
Visual Insights
CAQM's Jurisdiction: National Capital Region & Adjoining Areas
This map illustrates the geographical scope of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), covering the National Capital Region (NCR) and parts of the adjoining states. This broad jurisdiction is crucial for addressing transboundary air pollution sources affecting Delhi.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), consider the following statements: 1. GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to combat air pollution in the NCR. 2. CAQM was established through an Act of Parliament to coordinate activities and enforce measures for air quality management in the NCR and adjoining areas. 3. Under GRAP, the 'Severe' category of air quality mandates a complete ban on all construction and demolition activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), not CPCB. CAQM was established specifically for this purpose and coordinates with various agencies. CPCB provides technical support and monitoring. Statement 2 is correct. The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, established CAQM as a statutory body to address air pollution in the NCR. Statement 3 is incorrect. A complete ban on construction and demolition activities is typically mandated under GRAP Stage III ('Severe' category) and Stage IV ('Severe Plus' category), but the news states GRAP III curbs were lifted, which implies a ban was in place. However, the question states 'all' construction and demolition, which might be an overstatement for Stage III, as some essential projects might be exempted. More precisely, Stage III bans non-essential construction and demolition. The news specifically mentions lifting GRAP III curbs on construction and demolition, indicating it was a measure under GRAP III. However, the wording 'all' makes it tricky. Let's re-evaluate. GRAP III specifically bans 'non-essential' construction and demolition. A complete ban on 'all' construction and demolition is typically under GRAP IV (Severe+). Given the news context, the ban on construction was lifted from GRAP III. But the statement says 'all' construction, which is usually for GRAP IV. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect in its absolute phrasing. Thus, only statement 2 is correct.
2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the 'Very Poor' category of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in India? A) It indicates that prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illness in people with heart or lung diseases, and also in healthy people. B) It suggests that people with existing diseases may experience adverse health effects, and there is a likelihood of respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. C) It signifies that even healthy people may experience respiratory problems, and people with lung and heart diseases may experience severe impacts. D) It implies that the air quality is satisfactory and poses minimal risk to sensitive individuals.
- A.It indicates that prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illness in people with heart or lung diseases, and also in healthy people.
- B.It suggests that people with existing diseases may experience adverse health effects, and there is a likelihood of respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
- C.It signifies that even healthy people may experience respiratory problems, and people with lung and heart diseases may experience severe impacts.
- D.It implies that the air quality is satisfactory and poses minimal risk to sensitive individuals.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizes air quality based on health impacts: - 'Satisfactory' (51-100): Minimal impact. - 'Moderate' (101-200): May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease, heart disease, children and older adults. - 'Poor' (201-300): May cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. - 'Very Poor' (301-400): May cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Effect may be more pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases. - 'Severe' (401-500): May cause respiratory impact even on healthy people, and serious health impacts on people with lung/heart diseases. The health impacts may be experienced even during light physical activity. - 'Severe Plus' (>500): Public health emergency. Serious risk of respiratory ailments even to healthy people. Option B accurately describes the 'Very Poor' category. Option A describes 'Severe'. Option C describes 'Severe' or 'Severe Plus'. Option D describes 'Satisfactory'.
3. In the context of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), which of the following meteorological conditions generally contribute to the deterioration of air quality? 1. High wind speeds 2. Temperature inversion 3. Increased fog 4. Low mixing height Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
1. High wind speeds: Generally help in dispersing pollutants, thus improving air quality. So, this statement is incorrect in the context of 'deterioration'. 2. Temperature inversion: This phenomenon traps a layer of cold, dense air near the ground beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing vertical mixing. Pollutants get trapped in the lower layer, leading to higher concentrations. This contributes to deterioration. 3. Increased fog: Fog consists of tiny water droplets that can absorb pollutants and also reduce visibility. More importantly, fog often occurs under stable atmospheric conditions (low wind, temperature inversion) which are conducive to pollutant accumulation. It can also lead to secondary pollutant formation. This contributes to deterioration. 4. Low mixing height: The mixing height is the vertical extent of the atmosphere where pollutants are dispersed. A low mixing height means pollutants are confined to a smaller volume of air near the ground, leading to higher concentrations. This contributes to deterioration. Therefore, statements 2, 3, and 4 correctly describe conditions that contribute to air quality deterioration.
4. Consider the following statements regarding air pollutants and their sources: 1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is primarily generated from combustion processes, construction activities, and road dust. 2. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is mainly released from industrial activities, particularly power generation using fossil fuels. 3. Ozone (O3) is a primary pollutant directly emitted from vehicular exhaust. 4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas primarily formed from incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.1, 2 and 4 only
- C.2, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Correct. Major sources include vehicular emissions, industrial processes, construction and demolition, road dust, biomass burning, and stubble burning. 2. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Correct. It is a major pollutant from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil) in power plants, industrial boilers, and other industrial processes. 3. Ozone (O3): Incorrect. Ozone in the troposphere (ground-level ozone) is a secondary pollutant. It is not directly emitted but formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. NOx and VOCs are emitted from vehicular exhaust and industrial processes. 4. Carbon Monoxide (CO): Correct. It is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, primarily from vehicular emissions, but also from industrial processes and biomass burning. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
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