Delhi winter mean AQI rose from 280 in 2022-23 to 304 in 2023-24
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Air quality management and GRAP effectiveness: a key GS3 Environment and Urban Governance case study.
Why in news
Manoj Kumar of CREA reported that Delhi's winter mean AQI rose from 280 in 2022-23 to 304 in 2023-24, highlighting the persistent severity of winter air pollution.
Background
The winter mean AQI in Delhi fluctuated between 280 and 304 over a four-year period (2022-2026). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activates the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to manage these levels.
Facts for Prelims
- FactDelhi winter mean AQI: 304 in 2023-24
- FactDelhi spends 78-83% of winter days under GRAP Stage II or higher
Prelims practice question
Which body is responsible for activating the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to manage air pollution levels in Delhi?
- (a)Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- (b)Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- (c)Central Pollution Control Board
- (d)National Green Tribunal
Show answer
Answer: (a) Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) — The note states that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activates the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the limitations of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in curbing Delhi's winter air pollution despite frequent activation.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enforcement gap: High percentage of days under Stage II suggests reactive rather than proactive pollution mitigation
- Infrastructure deficit: Public transport expansion required to reduce private vehicle emissions in the NCR region
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Atmospheric pollution · Urban air quality · Environmental governance
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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.