With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and air quality in the NCR, consider the following statements: 1. Stage-III restrictions are triggered when air quality exceeds 400. 2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing these restrictions. 3. AIIMS reported a 50% rise in respiratory patients due to pollution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

AIIMS respiratory patients rise by almost 20 per cent as NCR hits Stage-III restrictions

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains· 6 November 2026

Public health impact of air pollution and the role of GRAP: a GS3 and Science & Technology case study.

Why in news

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-III restrictions in the NCR as air quality exceeded 400, coinciding with a reported 20% rise in respiratory patients at AIIMS.

Background

The CAQM applied Stage-III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). Dr. Randeep Guleria reported a nearly 20% increase in respiratory patients at AIIMS due to severe pollution levels.

Facts for Prelims

BodyCAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management
FactStage-III restrictions triggered when air quality exceeded 400
FactAIIMS reported a nearly 20% rise in respiratory patients

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and air quality in the NCR, consider the following statements:

Stage-III restrictions are triggered when air quality exceeds 400.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing these restrictions.
AIIMS reported a 50% rise in respiratory patients due to pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Show answer

Answer: (d) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: AIIMS reported a nearly 20% rise in respiratory patients.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the public health implications of deteriorating air quality in the NCR and evaluate the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in mitigating these risks.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Health infrastructure strain: Rapid surge in acute respiratory admissions exceeding hospital bed capacity
Regulatory enforcement gap: Challenges in implementing Stage-III restrictions across multi-state NCR jurisdictions

Keywords: Public Health · Air Quality Management · Graded Response Action Plan · Environmental Governance · Respiratory Morbidity

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

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