Why in news?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in Delhi-NCR. This measure follows the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing into the ‘severe plus’ category, signalling a critical air pollution emergency.

What’s in today’s article?

• Air Quality Index (AQI)
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
• Graded Response Action Plan (Grap)
• What is banned under Grap Stage IV?

Air Quality Index (AQI)

• AQI was launched in October 2014 to disseminate information on air quality in an easily understandable form for the general public.
• The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants, namely, PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb
• The AQI transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number for ease of understanding.
• 

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• CAQM is a statutory body formed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021.
• The commission aims at better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in NCR and adjoining areas.

Graded Response Action Plan

• About
  • GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region.
  • It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and notified in 2017.
    • The plan was formulated after several meetings between Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), state government and experts.
  • GRAP works only as an emergency measure.
  • The plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions.
• Nature
  • GRAP is incremental in nature and thus, when the air quality dips from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor,’ measures listed under both sections have to be followed.
  • Grap-I (AQI 201-300): Advisories, dust control, and bans on open burning.
  • Grap-II (AQI 301-400): Diesel generator restrictions, enhanced cleaning, and road sprinkling.
  • Grap-III (AQI 401-450): Non-essential construction bans, vehicle entry restrictions, and curbs on industrial activity.
  • Grap-IV (AQI above 450): Complete construction halts, school closures, and stringent vehicle limitations.

What is banned under Grap Stage IV? 

• Entry of non-essential trucks and non-BS-VI light commercial vehicles into Delhi is prohibited.
• Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and older) are barred, except those carrying essential items.
• All construction and demolition activities for public infrastructure projects, such as roads, highways, flyovers, and power lines, are suspended.
• The order prohibits entry of trucks into Delhi unless they are carrying essential goods or operating on clean fuels.
  • Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also barred, except for those running on electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines.
• The panel suggested that offices in the National Capital Region operate at 50 per cent capacity, with the remainder working from home.
  • Work-from-home options may also be implemented for central government employees.
• State governments have been advised to consider closing colleges, restricting non-essential commercial activities, and introducing odd-even vehicle rules.