Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a strategic framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. It serves as an emergency response mechanism activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches certain thresholds, ensuring that actions are taken promptly to mitigate pollution levels.

 

Key Features of GRAP

• Purpose: To reduce air pollution and protect public health, especially during winter months when air quality deteriorates significantly.
• Trigger: Implementation begins when AQI reaches the “Poor” category (AQI: 201-300).

 

Implementation of GRAP

Who Implements GRAP?

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) oversees its implementation.
• Collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• A sub-committee constituted by CAQM includes:
  • Officials from CAQM and member secretaries of pollution control boards of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
  • Representatives from CPCB, IMD, IITM, and a Health Advisor.

Decision-making:

• The sub-committee meets regularly to assess air quality and issue orders to invoke specific GRAP measures.
• In case of conflicts between state government directions and CAQM orders, CAQM’s directives prevail.

 

Stages of GRAP and Actions

Stage	Air Quality Index (AQI)	Category	Typical Measures
Stage I	201-300	Poor	Ban on garbage burning, increasing public transport availability, and encouraging mechanized sweeping of roads.
Stage II	301-400	Very Poor	Restrict construction activities (specific), increase frequency of sprinkling water on roads.
Stage III	401-450	Severe	Ban on industrial operations using non-clean fuels, restrict entry of trucks into Delhi (exceptions apply).
Stage IV	>450	Severe+	Ban on construction activities, closure of schools, and non-essential vehicles to be halted.

 

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

• Definition: A tool to measure and communicate air pollution levels to the public.
• Purpose: Indicates the impact of air pollution on health, with higher AQI values reflecting more severe risks.
• Calculation: Based on concentrations of key pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NO₂, CO, and O₃ over a specific time.

AQI Categories and Health Advisories:

AQI Range	Category	Health Implications
0-50	Good	Minimal impact.
51-100	Satisfactory	Minor breathing discomfort for sensitive groups.
101-200	Moderate	Breathing discomfort to sensitive individuals.
201-300	Poor	Breathing discomfort to most individuals on prolonged exposure.
301-400	Very Poor	Respiratory impact on prolonged exposure, especially for vulnerable groups.
401-450	Severe	Respiratory effects even on healthy individuals; serious impact on sensitive groups.
>450	Severe+	Emergency conditions with serious health effects for all; immediate mitigation needed.

 

Significance of GRAP

• Acts as a proactive mechanism to prevent worsening of air quality.
• Encourages inter-agency coordination for managing pollution effectively.
• Serves as a model framework for addressing urban air pollution challenges in other regions.