Delhi-NCR Chokes as Pollution Levels Soar, GRAP 3 Invoked

Delhi-NCR Ends with GRAP Stage 3 as Air Quality Worsens
New Delhi, January 2025: With a sharp plummeting of air quality, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR. This is happening because the rising levels of pollution are caused due to unfavorable weather conditions, stagnation of winds, and the increase in emissions.

The 24-hour average Air Quality Index in Delhi had crossed 365 by 4 PM on Wednesday, thereby falling into the "Very Poor" category. The government had enforced its toughest measures with the air pollution level worsening as the city was inching toward the chilliest winter month.

Stage 3 Restrictions under GRAP
The GRAP system has classified its control measure into four stages to address the problem of pollution in the national capital of Delhi-NCR. It currently consists of Stage 3 restrictions.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Construction Works: All forms of non-essential construction and demolition have been prohibited to mitigate dust pollution. Metro construction, highways, and hospitals are not banned.
School Rules: Classes up to Grade 5 are mandatory to attend the blended learning system. Parents and students can take the online learning if it is offered.
Limit of Vehicles: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars or four-wheelers cannot be used in Delhi and NCR districts. This is exempted for disabled people.
Ban on Specific Diesel Vehicles: Diesel-based non-essential medium goods vehicles older than BS-IV are banned in Delhi.
These measures would attempt to minimize the source of pollution and make the degrading air quality less harsh.
  

Awareness of GRAP System
The Graded Response Action Plan is the four-tier pollution control system that comes into effect as per the AQI levels.
  

Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300): High surveillance, dust control, and enforcement of anti-pollution norms.
Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400): Diesel generators to be prohibited, more road cleaning and industrial controls.
Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450): Non-essential construction to be restricted, a specific number of vehicle restrains, hybrid education for young students.
Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI more than 450): Educational institutes to be shut down, entry of non-essential trucks to be restricted and further restrains on industrial activities.

Causes of Increasing Pollution Levels
The episodic annual interactions of numerous atmospheric variables with the sources of air pollution degrade Delhi-NCR to a very poor air quality every winter. Main contributors are:

Poor Wind Conditions and Low Mixing Height: Poor wind conditions coupled with low mixing height cause the lack of dispersion and thus a build-up of pollution.
Vehicle Emissions: The vehicle density is highly concentrated in Delhi, a leading cause of air pollution obtained through main components in diesel transport.
Stubble burning: Stubble is the leftovers of wastes in agricultural production and is burned into the atmosphere. This characteristic has not only defined Punjab but, to a large extent, Haryana also.
Industrial and Firecrackers: Local source of pollution due to industries and festivals, have deteriorated air.

Government Measures and Public Response
GRAP Stage 3 keeps on going to the measures undertaken in curbing the levels of pollution. Governments have enforced stern curbs and asked people to not venture out too frequently. Public has been asked to travel in public transport, pool cars, and thus reduce vehicular use which is an emission reducing activity.
According to environmentalists, long-term sustainability calls for long-term processes in city designing, tight rules on emissions for vehicles, and green energy.
Future Course
If pollution will increase, the government can easily enforce Stage 4 GRAP that would shut schools and other industries and apply all stricter standards. All these are highly upon their execution because people respond and react.
The Delhi-NCR region faces an urgent need for sustained efforts toward pollution control and reduction in environmental degradation since deterioration in air quality is showing a trend of increasing every year.

Source: CAQM