Context:
Due to worsening air quality in Delhi–NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 354, categorized as ‘Very Poor’.
Key Highlights:
Air Quality Situation
• Delhi’s AQI increased from 343 to 354, approaching the ‘Severe’ category.
• Weather conditions and low temperatures contributed to pollutant accumulation.
GRAP Stage III Restrictions
• Hybrid schooling implemented for schools.
• Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi.
• Restrictions on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi.
• Older commercial diesel vehicles banned from entering the city except for essential services.
Weather Influence
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that unfavorable meteorological conditions could further worsen air quality.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Measures concentration of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and ozone.
- AQI Categories (India)
- Good: 0–50
- Satisfactory: 51–100
- Moderate: 101–200
- Poor: 201–300
- Very Poor: 301–400
- Severe: 401–500
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- Emergency pollution control framework implemented in Delhi–NCR.
- Activated based on AQI thresholds.
- Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards
- Standards regulating vehicular emissions in India, currently BS-VI.
Relevant Mains Points:
Major Causes of Delhi’s Air Pollution
• Vehicular emissions.
• Industrial pollution and construction dust.
• Crop residue burning in neighboring states.
• Unfavorable winter meteorology.
Significance of GRAP
• Provides time-bound emergency actions to reduce pollution spikes.
• Ensures coordination among central and state authorities.
Way Forward
• Strengthen public transport and electric mobility.
• Control construction dust and industrial emissions.
• Promote regional cooperation to tackle stubble burning.
• Improve urban planning and pollution monitoring systems.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper III – Environment and Pollution Control
• Prelims – AQI, GRAP, Bharat Stage standards