Question 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?

• 1 and 2 only
• 2 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: 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.

Question 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.

• It indicates that prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illness in people with heart or lung diseases, and also in healthy people.
• It suggests that people with existing diseases may experience adverse health effects, and there is a likelihood of respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
• It signifies that even healthy people may experience respiratory problems, and people with lung and heart diseases may experience severe impacts.
• It implies that the air quality is satisfactory and poses minimal risk to sensitive individuals.

Explanation: 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'.

Question 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:

• 1 and 2 only
• 2, 3 and 4 only
• 1, 3 and 4 only
• 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation: 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.

Question 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?

• 1, 2 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 4 only
• 2, 3 and 4 only
• 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation: 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.

Question 1

Critically analyze the effectiveness of emergency measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in addressing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Discuss the need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to achieve sustainable air quality improvements.

PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2021 2021

Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM): 1. It is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament. 2. It has the power to take measures to improve air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas. 3. Its decisions are binding on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, making it a statutory body. It is mandated to coordinate, research, identify, and resolve problems related to air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas. Its decisions are indeed binding on the CPCB, SPCBs, and other relevant state governments and authorities.

PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 (GS-III) 2023

"The cyclical pattern of air pollution in the National Capital Region highlights the persistent challenge and the need for long-term, sustainable solutions beyond emergency measures." Discuss this statement in the context of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and suggest comprehensive strategies to address air pollution in the NCR.

PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023

What does AQI stand for in the context of environmental pollution?

• (a) Air Quality Index
• (b) Ambient Quality Indicator
• (c) Atmospheric Quality Information
• (d) Air Quantity Index

Explanation: AQI stands for Air Quality Index, which is a tool used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023

Which of the following activities is typically restricted under GRAP III measures in Delhi-NCR?

• (a) Operation of public transport buses
• (b) Use of electric vehicles
• (c) Construction and demolition activities
• (d) Agricultural harvesting

Explanation: Under GRAP III, stringent measures are imposed, which include a ban on construction and demolition activities (except essential projects), operation of brick kilns, and stone crushers.

PYQ 5 - SSC CGL 2023 2023

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) primarily operates in which region of India?

• (a) Mumbai Metropolitan Region
• (b) National Capital Region (NCR)
• (c) Bengaluru Urban Agglomeration
• (d) Kolkata Metropolitan Area

Explanation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was specifically established for the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas to address air pollution.

PYQ 6 - IBPS PO 2023 2023

The recent lifting of GRAP III restrictions in Delhi was primarily due to:

• (a) A significant increase in wind speed.
• (b) A drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) below the 'Severe' category.
• (c) The onset of monsoon season.
• (d) A new government policy on construction.

Explanation: The summary states that the decision to lift GRAP III curbs came as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below the 'Severe' category.

PYQ 7 - SBI PO 2023 2023

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mentioned in the news, Delhi's air quality is likely to deteriorate to which category in the coming week?

• (a) Good
• (b) Satisfactory
• (c) Moderate
• (d) Very Poor

Explanation: The IMD forecasts a likely deterioration in air quality to 'Very Poor' levels in the coming week due to unfavorable meteorological conditions.

PYQ 8 - IBPS Clerk 2023 2023

Which of the following bodies is responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR)?

• (a) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
• (b) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• (c) Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
• (d) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

Explanation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the statutory body empowered to implement and enforce GRAP in the NCR.

PYQ 9 - CDS 2023 2023

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented to combat air pollution. Which of the following statements about GRAP is correct?

• (a) GRAP is implemented only when the AQI reaches 'Severe+' category.
• (b) GRAP measures are uniform across all states of India.
• (c) GRAP categorizes actions based on the severity of air quality, from 'Poor' to 'Severe+'.
• (d) GRAP primarily focuses on controlling industrial emissions and does not include vehicular restrictions.

Explanation: GRAP is a set of emergency measures that are implemented in phases (Stage I to Stage IV) based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, ranging from 'Poor' to 'Severe+'. It includes measures for various sectors, including vehicular, industrial, and construction.

PYQ 10 - CDS 2023 2023

Unfavorable meteorological conditions like reduced wind speed and increased fog often lead to a deterioration in air quality because they:

• (a) Increase the emission of pollutants from vehicles.
• (b) Help in the dispersion of pollutants over a wider area.
• (c) Trap pollutants closer to the ground, preventing their dispersion.
• (d) Convert pollutants into less harmful substances.

Explanation: Reduced wind speed and increased fog (which often implies stable atmospheric conditions and temperature inversions) prevent the vertical and horizontal dispersion of pollutants, trapping them closer to the ground and leading to higher concentrations.

PYQ 11 - CDS 2023 2023

Which of the following is NOT a measure typically associated with GRAP III restrictions?

• (a) Ban on construction and demolition activities (non-essential).
• (b) Ban on operation of brick kilns and stone crushers.
• (c) Restriction on private vehicle usage based on odd-even scheme.
• (d) Closure of all schools and colleges.

Explanation: GRAP III typically includes bans on construction, brick kilns, and stone crushers. The odd-even scheme for private vehicles is usually implemented under GRAP IV ('Severe+' category), and closure of schools/colleges is also a more extreme measure, often under GRAP IV or specific directives, not standard GRAP III.