Delhi AQI hits 382: Commission invokes stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs with immediate effect
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Environmental governance and emergency response mechanisms: a GS3 case study on air quality management.
Why in news
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked GRAP-III pollution curbs in Delhi and NCR immediately after the AQI reached 382, despite the standard threshold being 400.
Background
The Commission for Air Quality Management triggered GRAP-III measures due to 'very poor' air quality (AQI 382). The measures include a ban on non-essential construction and restrictions on specific diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR.
Facts for Prelims
- FactGRAP-III is typically invoked at an AQI of 400
- PlaceGRAP-III measures apply to Delhi and NCR districts
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, consider the following statements:
- GRAP-III measures apply exclusively to the city of Delhi.
- GRAP-III measures are typically invoked when the Air Quality Index reaches 400.
- The Commission invoked GRAP-III measures only after the AQI exceeded 400.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (a) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The measures apply to Delhi and NCR districts. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Commission invoked GRAP-III when the AQI reached 382.
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
- Regulatory lag: Pre-emptive invocation of GRAP-III highlights the inadequacy of reactive measures against rapid AQI deterioration
- Enforcement friction: Balancing economic activity in construction with public health mandates during peak pollution months
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · NCR pollution · Pre-emptive measures · 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.