Delhi Air Quality Plunges; Truck Entry Banned Under GRAP IV
Delhi's air quality turns severe; truck entry banned under GRAP IV.
Photo by Ahmer Kalam
Quick Revision
Air Quality: Severe
Truck Entry: Banned (except essentials)
Exempt Trucks: LNG, CNG, Battery, BS VI Diesel
GRAP Stage: IV
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
GRAP IV Implementation Area
Map showing the areas where GRAP IV restrictions are in place due to severe air quality.
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Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Pollution
Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Potential for questions on environmental governance and policy
View Detailed Summary
Summary
As Delhi's air quality slipped into the 'severe' category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) banned the entry of trucks into the city, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Trucks powered by LNG, CNG, battery, or BS VI diesel are exempt.
Classes for students (except 10 and 12) will move to a 'hybrid mode' in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. These restrictions are part of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Background
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 intensified in the 1990s and 2000s due to a surge in vehicular traffic, construction activities, and the burning of crop residue in neighboring states. Early attempts to address the problem included the introduction of CNG-powered buses and the phasing out of older vehicles.
However, these measures proved insufficient to combat the escalating pollution levels. The legal framework for environmental protection in India, including the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, has been instrumental in guiding policy interventions, but its effective implementation remains a challenge.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on regional cooperation to address air pollution, particularly focusing on the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established in 2020 to coordinate efforts among states and central agencies. The adoption of BS VI emission norms for vehicles has also contributed to reducing vehicular emissions.
However, challenges remain in effectively enforcing regulations, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and managing construction and demolition waste. Future efforts are likely to focus on promoting electric vehicles, expanding public transportation, and investing in cleaner energy sources. The development of a comprehensive air quality monitoring network and the use of data analytics to inform policy decisions are also crucial.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): 1. GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR based on pre-determined air quality thresholds. 2. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) is solely responsible for implementing GRAP. 3. GRAP was formulated based on recommendations from the Supreme Court of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct as GRAP is implemented based on AQI thresholds. Statement 3 is correct as it was formulated based on SC directions. Statement 2 is incorrect as CAQM now implements GRAP.
2. Which of the following fuels is/are exempted from the truck entry ban imposed under Stage IV of GRAP in Delhi? 1. LNG 2. CNG 3. BS VI Diesel Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the mentioned fuels (LNG, CNG, and BS VI Diesel) are exempted from the truck entry ban under Stage IV of GRAP.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. CAQM was established as a statutory body in 2020. 2. CAQM has the power to issue directions to state governments in the NCR region to address air pollution. 3. The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the ex-officio Chairperson of CAQM. 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: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Chairperson of CAQM is not the Union Minister but an individual with relevant experience.
4. Which of the following provisions is/are typically included in the 'Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy' for Left Wing Extremists in India? 1. Financial assistance to surrendered individuals. 2. Vocational training and skill development programs. 3. Legal protection and assurance against false implication. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the provisions are typically included in the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy to encourage surrender and reintegration.