Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that Delhi’s winter air
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Environmental governance and policy evaluation: a GS3 case study on the efficacy of emergency pollution measures.
Why in news
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that Delhi's winter air quality showed no consistent improvement over four years despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Background
CREA, a Finland-based non-profit, analyzed Delhi's winter AQI from 2022–23 to 2025–26. The mean AQI fluctuated from 280 (2022–23) to 304 (2023–24), 285 (2024–25), and 295 (2025–26).
Facts for Prelims
- BodyCAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas) is the body that announces GRAP stages.
- FactDelhi's mean AQI reached 295 in the winter of 2025–26.
- SchemeGRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) consists of four stages of short-term emergency measures based on pollution forecasts.
- PlaceCAQM met with Punjab and Haryana officials in Chandigarh to address stubble burning.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Delhi's air quality, consider the following statements:
- The GRAP consists of four stages of short-term emergency measures based on pollution forecasts.
- Delhi's mean AQI showed a consistent downward trend every year from 2022–23 to 2025–26.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the body responsible for announcing GRAP stages.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The report states air quality showed no consistent improvement over four years.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the limitations of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in curbing seasonal air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Policy limitation: GRAP acts as a reactive emergency measure rather than a proactive long-term structural solution.
- Inter-state coordination: Challenges in enforcing stubble burning regulations across Punjab and Haryana borders.
- Meteorological constraints: Impact of low wind speeds and falling temperatures on pollutant dispersion in the IGP.
Keywords: Air Quality Index (AQI) · Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) · Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) · Stubble Burning · Pollution Mitigation
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