Delhi AQI plunged to 366 as CAQM invokes Stage 3 Graded Response Action Plan
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Air quality management and emergency response mechanisms: a relevant GS3 Environment and Ecology topic.
Why in news
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as Delhi's AQI reached 366 following Diwali.
Background
Delhi's average AQI reached 366 the morning after Diwali, with some areas exceeding the 'severe' 400-mark threshold. The CAQM invoked Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the high pollution levels in the National Capital Region.
Part of a topic
📚 Air Quality and Pollution Management · 53 notes →Every note on this topic, the basics and practice questions on one page.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyCAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management is thebody responsible for air quality management in the NCR.
- FactAQI Threshold: The 'severe' category for air quality is defined as a mark of 400.
- PlaceNCR: The National Capital Region is the geographical area affected by the pollution levels.
Prelims practice question
With reference to air quality management in the National Capital Region, consider the following statements:
- The 'severe' category for air quality is defined as an AQI mark exceeding 300.
- The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is used to address high pollution levels in the NCR.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the body responsible for air quality management in the NCR.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The 'severe' category is defined as a mark of 400.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in mitigating seasonal air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional coordination: Challenges in synchronizing enforcement across multiple state and local bodies in the NCR
- Regulatory limitations: Difficulty in curbing non-point source emissions like domestic biomass burning and vehicular exhaust
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Commission for Air Quality Management · Non-point source pollution · Atmospheric haze
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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.