Summary
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing the 'severe' category. As a result, authorities have reimplemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The AQI values recorded today are: Anand Vihar (414), RK Puram (393), and Punjabi Bagh (406). GRAP IV includes measures such as a ban on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on vehicular traffic, and closure of schools if the air quality worsens further. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will monitor the situation and decide on further actions.
Full Analysis
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing the 'severe' category. As a result, authorities have reimplemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The AQI values recorded today are: Anand Vihar (414), RK Puram (393), and Punjabi Bagh (406). GRAP IV includes measures such as a ban on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on vehicular traffic, and closure of schools if the air quality worsens further. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will monitor the situation and decide on further actions.
Background Context
The issue of air pollution in Delhi is not new, with its roots tracing back to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices in the post-independence era. The problem gained significant attention in the 1990s, leading to the introduction of measures like the phasing out of older vehicles and the promotion of CNG. The Supreme Court's intervention in the early 2000s played a crucial role in pushing for cleaner fuels. However, the problem persisted due to factors like regional stubble burning, construction activities, and vehicular emissions. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was formulated in 2016 as a structured approach to combat air pollution based on AQI levels, drawing from experiences and studies conducted over the preceding decades.
Current Developments
In recent years, there has been increased focus on addressing the regional nature of air pollution, with greater emphasis on collaboration between Delhi and neighboring states. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established in 2021 to coordinate efforts across the National Capital Region (NCR). Initiatives like the promotion of electric vehicles, stricter enforcement of emission norms, and efforts to reduce stubble burning through alternative technologies have gained momentum. The future outlook involves further strengthening regional cooperation, investing in cleaner technologies, and enhancing public awareness to promote sustainable practices. The effectiveness of GRAP and CAQM will be crucial in achieving long-term improvements in air quality.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
1. GRAP is implemented solely by the Delhi government.
2. GRAP is a set of emergency measures to reduce air pollution based on AQI levels.
3. GRAP includes measures such as banning construction activities and restricting vehicular traffic.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as GRAP is implemented by multiple agencies under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Question 2
Which of the following best describes the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)?
- To provide financial assistance to industries for adopting cleaner technologies.
- To coordinate efforts between Delhi and neighboring states to combat air pollution.
- To conduct research on the health impacts of air pollution.
- To enforce traffic regulations in Delhi.
Explanation: The CAQM's primary role is to coordinate efforts between Delhi and neighboring states to address air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Question 3
Assertion (A): Re-implementation of GRAP IV in Delhi indicates a severe air quality crisis.
Reason (R): GRAP IV measures are invoked when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the 'severe+' category, posing significant health risks.
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Explanation: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the re-implementation of GRAP IV indicates a severe air quality crisis.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
1. GRAP is a set of emergency measures to reduce air pollution based on AQI levels.
2. GRAP is implemented only in Delhi NCR.
3. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing GRAP.
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
Explanation: All the statements are correct. GRAP is a set of measures based on AQI levels, implemented in Delhi NCR, and overseen by CAQM.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
Discuss the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in mitigating air pollution in Delhi NCR. What are its limitations, and suggest measures to improve its efficacy.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
What is the full form of 'AQI' as commonly used in discussions about air quality?
- (a) Air Quantity Index
- (b) Atmospheric Quality Indicator
- (c) Air Quality Index
- (d) Average Quality Indicator
Explanation: AQI stands for Air Quality Index, a measure of air quality.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
Which of the following areas in Delhi had an AQI closest to 400 according to the provided information?
- (a) RK Puram
- (b) Anand Vihar
- (c) Punjabi Bagh
- (d) None of these
Explanation: Punjabi Bagh had an AQI of 406, which is closest to 400.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which organization is primarily responsible for monitoring and deciding on further actions related to GRAP in Delhi?
- (a) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- (b) Delhi Government
- (c) Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- (d) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Explanation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for monitoring and deciding on further actions related to GRAP.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
GRAP IV includes which of the following measures?
- (a) Ban on construction activities only
- (b) Restrictions on vehicular traffic only
- (c) Closure of schools only
- (d) Ban on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on vehicular traffic, and closure of schools if the air quality worsens further
Explanation: GRAP IV includes a ban on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on vehicular traffic, and closure of schools if the air quality worsens further.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
- (a) It is a set of measures to combat air pollution.
- (b) It is implemented based on AQI levels.
- (c) It is only implemented in Delhi NCR.
- (d) It is a long-term solution to air pollution.
Explanation: GRAP is primarily an emergency response plan, not a long-term solution.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
The Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 414 was recorded in which of the following areas of Delhi?
- (a) RK Puram
- (b) Punjabi Bagh
- (c) Anand Vihar
- (d) Civil Lines
Explanation: The AQI value of 414 was recorded in Anand Vihar.