With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and DMRC's measures, consider the following statements: 1. DMRC will deploy over 250 anti-smog guns to curb dust. 2. DMRC will operate 20 additional weekday trips to promote public transport. 3. The CPCB reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 300 on Wednesday morning. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

DMRC to operate 20 additional weekday trips as GRAP stage 1 enforced

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims· 21 October 2026

Environmental governance and public transport integration: a GS3 and Environment & Ecology case study.

Why in news

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced 20 additional weekday trips to promote public transport as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) enforced stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Background

The CPCB reported a Wednesday morning Air Quality Index (AQI) of 238. DMRC will deploy over 250 anti-smog guns and manage 31 km of roads to curb dust.

Facts for Prelims

FactAQI: The CPCB reported an Air Quality Index of 238 on Wednesday morning.
BodyDMRC: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is the body operating additional trips and anti-smog guns.
SchemeGRAP: Graded Response Action Plan is the framework being enforced in stages to manage air pollution.
FactAnti-smog guns: DMRC will use over 250 units to curb dust.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and DMRC's measures, consider the following statements:

DMRC will deploy over 250 anti-smog guns to curb dust.
DMRC will operate 20 additional weekday trips to promote public transport.
The CPCB reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 300 on Wednesday morning.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The CPCB reported an AQI of 238.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in mitigating seasonal air pollution in the National Capital Region.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Institutional coordination: Inter-agency friction between CPCB, DMRC, and municipal bodies in enforcing construction bans
Logistical constraints: Limitations of anti-smog guns and mechanical dust suppression in high-density urban corridors

Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Public Transport Integration · Pollution Mitigation

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: NDTV ↗Also: GS3 · Pollution (air, water, plastic)

More Economy notes

Naidu orders subsidized rice and faster installation of 9 lakh PM Surya Ghar connections · 21 October 2026
India-New Zealand FTA offers 100% duty-free access and $20 billion in foreign investment · 21 October 2026
India plans to mandate up to 5% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blending by 2030 · 21 October 2026
Rupee depreciates 5% this year despite narrowed current account deficit to 0.5% of GDP · 21 October 2026
CBDT extends income-tax audit report deadline to October 21 for specific businesses · 21 October 2026
Artisans warn AI risks erasing communal heritage despite Bridgital Loom and textile systems · 21 October 2026

All Economy current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.