Context:
- The Central Government, on the recommendation of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), imposed the most stringent emergency measures (GRAP Stage IV) across Delhi–NCR after the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to the worst level of the season.
- The decision followed a sharp deterioration in air quality, placing Delhi in the “Severe” to “Severe Plus” category.
Key Highlights:
Scientific / Environmental Background:
- Delhi’s AQI crossed the severe threshold (AQI > 400), posing serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments.
- Major contributors include vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, stubble burning, and adverse meteorological conditions (low wind speed, temperature inversion).
GRAP Stage IV Measures (Emergency Level):
- Complete ban on entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi–NCR.
- Halt on construction and demolition activities across NCR (except essential projects).
- Closure of schools in Delhi and adjoining districts; shift to hybrid/online mode for higher classes.
- 50% work-from-home for government and private offices where feasible.
- Restrictions on non-essential truck entry into Delhi.
- Odd–even vehicle rationing scheme to be enforced, if required.
Stakeholders Involved:
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Delhi Government and NCR State Governments (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan)
- Educational institutions, industries, transport sector, general public
Relevant Prelims Points:
- GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan):
- A graded, emergency response mechanism to control air pollution in Delhi–NCR.
- Implemented based on AQI severity levels (Moderate → Severe Plus).
- CAQM:
- A statutory body under the CAQM Act, 2021, responsible for air quality management in NCR.
- Issue & Causes:
- Seasonal spike in pollution due to winter meteorology, emissions accumulation, and regional factors.
- Impact:
- Short-term health emergencies, school disruptions, economic slowdown, public inconvenience.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Constitutional & Legal Framework:
- Article 21 – Right to life includes the right to a clean environment.
- CAQM Act, 2021 – Enables coordinated action across NCR states.
- Governance Challenges:
- Reactive approach instead of preventive planning.
- Weak enforcement of vehicular and industrial norms.
- Limited regional coordination despite shared airshed.
- Environmental & Health Dimensions:
- Air pollution linked to asthma, cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy.
- Children’s cognitive and physical development adversely affected.
- Political & Policy Debate:
- Allegations of blame-shifting between Centre and State governments.
- Debate over dilution vs enforcement of scientific pollution-control standards.
- Way Forward:
- Long-term structural measures: cleaner mobility, public transport expansion, electrification.
- Regional airshed-based planning beyond Delhi-centric solutions.
- Strengthening real-time monitoring, early-warning systems, and public awareness.
- Sustainable agriculture practices to address stubble burning.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper II: Governance, Centre–State relations, statutory bodies
- GS Paper III: Environment, Pollution, Sustainable Development
- GS Paper IV: Ethics – Public health responsibility, intergenerational equity