Delhi air hits 'very poor' AQI 314 as government imposes ₹68.4 lakh penalties
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
GRAP and AQI classification: a key GS3 Environment and Ecology topic regarding pollution management.
Why in news
Delhi's air quality reached a 'very poor' AQI of 314 on November 2, 2026, triggering the enforcement of Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan.
Background
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 314 at 10:00 am on November 2, 2026. Authorities imposed ₹68.4 lakh in penalties on the first day of enforcement to curb vehicular emissions and dust.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAQI scale: 301-400 is classified as 'very poor' and 401-500 as 'severe'.
- BodyCPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) is the body responsible for monitoring air quality indices.
- SchemeGRAP Stage 2 is triggered when the AQI remains between 301 and 400.
- FactDelhi government imposed ₹68.4 lakh in penalties on the first day of the Winter Action Plan enforcement.
Prelims practice question
Which body is responsible for monitoring air quality indices in India?
- (a)Central Pollution Control Board
- (b)Ministry of Environment and Forests
- (c)National Green Tribunal
- (d)State Pollution Control Board
Show answer
Answer: (a) Central Pollution Control Board — The note identifies the CPCB as the body responsible for monitoring air quality indices.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in managing seasonal air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enforcement gap: Challenges in monitoring and penalizing decentralized sources of dust and vehicular emissions
- Inter-state coordination: Need for synchronized pollution control measures between Delhi and neighboring industrial hubs
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Winter Action Plan · Vehicular Emissions · Pollution Mitigation
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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.