Why in the news?

  • CAQM invoked the 12-point action plan under Stage-II of the current Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

  • What is it?: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a pre‑emptive and emergency framework designed to control and reduce air pollution levels in the Delhi‑NCR region by introducing graded sets of measures that are triggered automatically based on Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
  • Objectives:
    • To prevent further deterioration of air quality once it crosses threshold levels.
    • To ensure coordinated and time‑bound action among agencies.
    • To make pollution control measures predictable, science‑based, and incremental.
  • Institutional Framework:
    • Legal Basis: Directed by Supreme Court under M.C. Mehta case (2016).
    • Notification: By Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2017.
    • Implementing Authority: CAQM (replacing EPCA in 2020 under Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021).
    • Technical Support: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) provide AQI and meteorological forecasts.
  • Implementation Mechanism:
    • Supervisory Body: CAQM (under MoEFCC).
    • Executing Agencies: State Pollution Control Boards, CPCB, municipal corporations, transport & traffic departments.
    • Sub‑Committee on GRAP: Meets frequently to monitor real‑time data and issue orders as per AQI forecasts.
    • Orders of CAQM override state‑level directions when there is a conflict.
  • Significance:
    • Provides a scientific, graded framework for pollution control.
    • Enhances accountability among multiple agencies.
    • Enables pre‑emptive action during winter months when pollution peaks.
    • Promotes inter‑state coordination in NCR, covering Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
  • Challenges:
    • Implementation gaps and weak enforcement at the ground level.
    • Lack of permanent measures addressing root causes (vehicular emissions, stubble burning, industrial waste management).
    • Coordination issues among multiple state agencies.
  • GRAP Updations:
    • Revised GRAP (2023 onwards) now includes forecast‑based early implementation- Measures can be triggered three days in advance if deterioration is anticipated.
    • Includes focus on green fuels, waste management, and real‑time AQI public disclosure.