GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a stage-wise emergency framework to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR, with measures escalating according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
- It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 in the M.C. Mehta v. Union of India case
- Reduce emissions from construction dust, vehicles, industry, waste burning, diesel generators, and other pollution sources during high-pollution periods.
Stages and Measures
- Stage 1 – Poor: Mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling, dust control at construction sites, strict enforcement against open waste burning, checks on polluting vehicles, higher parking charges and promotion of public transport.
- Stage 2 – Very Poor: Restrictions on diesel generator sets, intensified road sweeping/water sprinkling, hotspot control, and enhanced public transport.
- Stage 3 -Severe: Ban on non-essential construction and demolition, restrictions on certain polluting vehicles, encouragement of work-from-home; school closures may be considered.
- Stage 4 – Severe +: Ban on entry of trucks except essential services, closure of schools, suspension of non-essential construction, and possible odd-even restrictions on private four-wheelers if notified.
Institutional Framework
- Implementing Authority: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Technical Support: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) provide AQI and meteorological forecasts.
Source: The Indian Express