Centre's Pollution Control Action Plan, GRAP Implemented In Delhi From Today| Details

The Centre's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into effect in Delhi on Sunday as a measure to combat air pollution. GRAP is a comprehensive set of anti-air pollution measures typically implemented in Delhi-NCR during the winter season.

Unlike previous years when GRAP was implemented as an emergency response owing to the deteriorating air quality, this time, the government initiated it preemptively. However, the different stages of the action plan will be activated only if the air quality reaches extremely poor levels.

ANI quoted Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai saying, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..."

WHAT IS GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)?
The Graded Response Action Plan consists of various anti-air pollution measures traditionally rolled out in Delhi-NCR during winter. Last year, and again in July this year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), an autonomous body dedicated to improving air quality in Delhi and its neighboring regions, introduced crucial changes to GRAP.

The latest amendments include strict regulations on the operation of outdated vehicles and a complete prohibition on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants, and hotels when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200.

Under the revised plan, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will be promptly banned in Delhi and surrounding areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida), when the AQI surpasses 400.

In 2022, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body formed in 2021, made amendments to GRAP to ensure proactive implementation of anti-air pollution measures based on forecasts up to three days in advance. Previously, these measures, such as construction bans, restrictions on high-emission vehicles, and limitations on coal and firewood usage, were only enforced after pollution levels reached a specific threshold.

GRAP HAS FOUR STAGES:
GRAP for the NCR is divided into four stages, each corresponding to varying levels of adverse air quality in Delhi:

Stage 1: 'Poor' (AQI 201-300)
Stage 2: 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400)
Stage 3: 'Severe' (AQI 401-450)
Stage 4: 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450)

The revised GRAP emphasizes stricter compliance with Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directives regarding outdated diesel and petrol vehicles during Stage 1. It also mandates a complete ban on coal and firewood usage in eateries, restaurants, and hotels once the AQI crosses the 200-mark, a measure that was previously implemented under Stage 2.

New measures introduced as part of the updated GRAP include "stringent actions to curb air pollution at all identified hotspots in the region during Stage 2."

In Stage 3, states will need to enforce strict restrictions on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and the surrounding areas. In such cases, authorities may consider suspending in-person classes in schools for children up to Class 5, as suggested by CAQM.

When the AQI exceeds 450, four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except electric vehicles and those using CNG and BS-VI diesel, will not be allowed to enter Delhi. However, vehicles carrying essential goods or providing essential services will be exempted.

All other measures implemented under different stages of GRAP will continue.

According to reports quoting CAQM, Delhi-NCR recorded an average AQI of 167 from January 1 to September 30, the second-best in six years for the corresponding period. The only better air quality was observed during the pandemic-affected year of 2020. In 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2018, the average AQI during this period ranged from 180 to 193.