Context:
In response to persistently ‘very poor’ air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised and tightened the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The move follows a Supreme Court directive granting CAQM greater autonomy to initiate proactive and preventive measures against air pollution.
Key Highlights:
Revised GRAP Framework
-
CAQM has lowered the threshold for implementing emergency pollution-control measures.
-
The revised framework enables earlier activation of stricter actions when air quality deteriorates.
Changes in GRAP Stages
-
Staggering of public office timings, earlier under GRAP Stage 3, will now be enforced at Stage 2.
-
50% Work-from-Home (WFH) for public and private offices, earlier under Stage 4, will now apply at Stage 3.
-
These changes reflect a more precautionary approach to pollution management.
Measures to Reduce Emissions
-
Staggered office timings and WFH aim to:
-
Reduce vehicular congestion
-
Lower transport-related emissions
-
-
Distribution of 10,000 electric heaters by the Delhi government to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs):
-
Targets reduction in open burning of wood and coal
-
Particularly relevant during winter months
-
Institutional Empowerment
-
The Supreme Court has empowered CAQM to:
-
Implement measures independently
-
Coordinate actions across Delhi and NCR states
-
-
Enhances inter-state governance in air quality management.
Role of Corporate Sector
-
The heater distribution initiative is funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.
-
Highlights private sector participation in environmental governance.
Relevant Prelims Points:
-
CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management):
-
Statutory body established under the CAQM Act, 2021.
-
Responsible for air quality planning in Delhi-NCR.
-
-
GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan):
-
Emergency response mechanism linked to Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
-
-
Air Quality Index (AQI):
-
Communicates air pollution levels and associated health risks.
-
-
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility):
-
Mandated under the Companies Act, 2013 for eligible firms.
-
Causes of Delhi Pollution:
-
Vehicular emissions
-
Biomass and coal burning
-
Construction dust
-
Adverse winter meteorological conditions
Benefits:
-
Early intervention reduces peak pollution episodes.
-
Improves public health outcomes.
-
Strengthens institutional accountability.
Challenges:
-
Compliance monitoring
-
Economic impact of WFH mandates
-
Inter-state coordination issues
Impact:
-
Sets precedent for proactive environmental governance.
-
May serve as a model for other polluted urban regions.
Relevant Mains Points:
-
Facts & Provisions:
-
CAQM Act, 2021
-
Supreme Court’s role in environmental protection
-
-
Keywords & Static Linkages:
-
Environmental governance, precautionary principle
-
Cooperative federalism in pollution control
-
-
Way Forward:
-
Expand clean heating alternatives
-
Strengthen public transport
-
Improve real-time AQI-based responses
-
Enhance regional coordination mechanisms
-
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
-
GS 3: Environment, Pollution Control, Sustainable Development
-
GS 2: Governance, Role of Judiciary, Federal Coordination
-
Prelims: CAQM, GRAP, AQI, CSR