पृष्ठभूमि संदर्भ
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has been a chronic issue, particularly during the winter months, due to a combination of factors including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, stubble burning in neighboring states, and unfavorable meteorological conditions. To combat this, the Supreme Court mandated the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in 2017, which was later institutionalized by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
अभ्यास MCQs
प्रश्न 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
1. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament.
2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented only in the National Capital Region (NCR) to combat severe air pollution.
3. GRAP stages are primarily triggered based on the forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) levels rather than real-time data alone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
व्याख्या: Statement 1 is correct. CAQM was established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is incorrect. While GRAP is primarily implemented in NCR, the framework can be adapted or extended, and it's a framework for emergency measures, not exclusively for NCR in principle. The word 'only' makes it incorrect. Statement 3 is correct. GRAP stages are triggered based on both real-time AQI and forecasted AQI to allow for proactive measures.
प्रश्न 2
With reference to the Air Quality Index (AQI) in India, consider the following statements:
1. The 'Poor' category in the AQI indicates that sensitive people may experience respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
2. The AQI system in India monitors eight key pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), and Carbon Monoxide (CO).
3. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) provides location-specific information on air quality and weather, complementing the national AQI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
व्याख्या: Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'Poor' category indicates that people with heart/lung diseases, the elderly, and children may experience breathing discomfort, and most people may experience breathing discomfort on prolonged exposure. 'Moderate' category is where sensitive people may experience respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Statement 2 is correct. The AQI in India monitors eight pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). Statement 3 is correct. SAFAR is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to provide location-specific information on air quality and weather, which complements the broader AQI system.
प्रश्न 3
Which of the following is NOT a primary objective or strategy under India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?
- Achieving a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024 compared to 2017 levels.
- Implementing a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as a core long-term strategy across all non-attainment cities.
- Augmenting the national air quality monitoring network and strengthening scientific and technical capabilities.
- Promoting inter-state and inter-ministerial coordination for effective implementation of air pollution control measures.
व्याख्या: Statement A is a primary objective of NCAP. Statement C and D are key strategies under NCAP. Statement B is incorrect. While GRAP is an important emergency measure for air pollution, it is primarily focused on the NCR and is a reactive, short-term measure. NCAP focuses on comprehensive, long-term, and sustained strategies across 131 non-attainment cities, which include city-specific action plans, but GRAP itself is not a 'core long-term strategy across all non-attainment cities' under NCAP's direct mandate, rather it's a distinct emergency response mechanism.
पिछले वर्षों के प्रश्न
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for air pollution in Delhi-NCR, consider the following statements:
1. GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
2. Stage-III of GRAP is invoked when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is projected to be in the 'Severe' category.
3. Restrictions under GRAP Stage-III include a ban on construction and demolition activities, and the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles.
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
व्याख्या: Statement 1 is correct: GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Statement 2 is incorrect: GRAP Stage-III is invoked when the AQI is projected to be in the 'Severe' category (401-500), not just 'Severe'. The news states it was lifted as it improved from 'Severe' to 'Poor'. However, the question states 'projected to be in the 'Severe' category', which is the trigger for Stage-III. So, statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct: The news explicitly mentions these restrictions were lifted, implying they were part of Stage-III. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in combating air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Suggest long-term sustainable solutions beyond emergency measures to address this perennial challenge.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
What does CAQM stand for, in the context of air pollution management in Delhi-NCR?
- (a) Central Air Quality Monitoring
- (b) Commission for Air Quality Management
- (c) Committee for Air Quality Measurement
- (d) Council for Atmospheric Quality Monitoring
व्याख्या: CAQM stands for Commission for Air Quality Management, the body responsible for air quality management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
When Delhi's air quality improved from 'Severe' to 'Poor' category, which of the following restrictions were lifted under GRAP Stage-III?
- (a) Ban on firecrackers only
- (b) Ban on construction and demolition activities only
- (c) Ban on construction and demolition activities and entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles
- (d) Ban on all private vehicles
व्याख्या: The summary explicitly states that the ban on construction and demolition activities and the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles were among the GRAP Stage-III restrictions that were lifted.
PYQ 5 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
An Air Quality Index (AQI) value between 201 and 300 typically falls under which category?
- (a) Moderate
- (b) Satisfactory
- (c) Poor
- (d) Very Poor
व्याख्या: According to the AQI scale, an AQI value between 201 and 300 is categorized as 'Poor'. The news states the AQI improved to 280, which falls into the 'Poor' category.
PYQ 6 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted GRAP Stage-III restrictions in Delhi-NCR. What was the average Air Quality Index (AQI) that led to this decision?
- (a) Improved from 380 to 280
- (b) Improved from 400 to 350
- (c) Dropped from 250 to 150
- (d) Remained stable at 300
व्याख्या: The summary states that the average AQI had significantly improved, dropping from 380 on Thursday to 280 on Friday, leading to the lifting of restrictions.
PYQ 7 - SBI PO 2023 2023
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures to combat air pollution. Which body is primarily responsible for its implementation in the National Capital Region (NCR)?
- (a) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- (b) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- (c) Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- (d) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
व्याख्या: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the statutory body responsible for air quality management in the NCR and adjoining areas, including the implementation of GRAP.
PYQ 8 - IBPS Clerk 2023 2023
Which category of air quality is considered 'Poor' according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale?
- (a) 0-50
- (b) 101-200
- (c) 201-300
- (d) 301-400
व्याख्या: An AQI value between 201 and 300 is classified as 'Poor'. The news states Delhi's AQI improved to 280, falling into this category.
PYQ 9 - CDS 2023 2023
Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
1. GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented to combat air pollution.
2. It is enforced based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) categories.
3. GRAP Stage-III is typically invoked when the AQI is in the 'Very Poor' category.
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
व्याख्या: Statement 1 is correct: GRAP is indeed an emergency plan. Statement 2 is correct: GRAP stages are triggered based on predefined AQI categories. Statement 3 is incorrect: GRAP Stage-III is invoked when the AQI is projected to be in the 'Severe' category (401-500), not 'Very Poor' (301-400).
PYQ 10 - CDS 2023 2023
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body. It functions under which of the following ministries?
- (a) Ministry of Home Affairs
- (b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- (c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- (d) Ministry of Science and Technology
व्याख्या: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
PYQ 11 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following air pollutants is NOT one of the eight major pollutants for which the Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated in India?
- (a) Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
- (b) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- (c) Methane (CH4)
- (d) Ozone (O3)
व्याख्या: The eight pollutants for which AQI is calculated are PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas but not one of the eight primary pollutants for AQI calculation.