The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution.
Background
The CAQM implemented Stage IV of GRAP on December 18, 2025, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 358 (very poor). Measures include a 50% work-from-home policy and a suspension of construction activities with a ₹10,000 one-time compensation for workers.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyCAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management is thebody responsible for implementing GRAP in Delhi-NCR
- FactAQI: The air quality index in Delhi was recorded at 358 (very poor) on December 18, 2025
- FactGRAP Stage IV: Includes a 50% work-from-home policy and mandatory PUC certificates
- FactCompensation: ₹10,000 one-time payment for construction workers affected by activity suspension
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in managing seasonal air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic trade-off: Balancing immediate industrial/construction output against long-term public health costs
- Administrative friction: Coordinating multi-state enforcement of work-from-home and construction bans
- Social equity: Addressing the livelihood impact on informal construction labor during pollution-driven shutdowns
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Commission for Air Quality Management · Public Health · Environmental Governance
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Centre imposes ban on new mining leases in Aravallis; protected zone to be expanded · 24 December 2025
- 40th Asian Waterbird Census on January 10, 11 in Godavari estuary · 23 December 2025
- Wildlife First writes to Karnataka government to reject Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited’s proposal for ex-post facto forest clearance · 23 December 2025
- Mumbai smog: Bombay High Court slams civic bodies for neglecting construction workers’ safety · 23 December 2025
- Forests cannot be used for non-forestry purposes, including agriculture: Supreme Court · 22 December 2025
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that the ICFRE will prepare a district-wise report to demarcate mining areas in the Aravalli Range to comply with a Supreme Court order · 22 December 2025
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
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.