Delhi, the national capital of India, has been grappling with severe air pollution for years. In recent times, the air quality has reached alarming levels, affecting the health and wellbeing of its residents. As the government and environmental bodies strive to combat this issue, the Supreme Court of India has stepped in with vital measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This article will explore the role of the Supreme Court, explain what GRAP 2 and GRAP 4 restrictions are, and update you on the latest actions and developments related to Delhi’s air pollution.

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Understanding Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi is often ranked among the most polluted cities in the world. During the winter months, pollution levels spike due to a combination of factors like vehicular emissions, industrial activity, crop burning in neighboring states, and unfavorable weather conditions. The result? A thick blanket of smog that impacts not just visibility but also the health of millions.

Air Quality Index (AQI): A Measure of Danger

Air pollution in Delhi is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with values over 300 categorized as “Hazardous.” At this level, the very air you breathe becomes a serious health risk. In 2024, Delhi saw its AQI cross these dangerous levels, triggering an urgent need for action.

What is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures designed to reduce air pollution in Delhi and its neighboring regions. Implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), GRAP is intended to combat air quality deterioration with graded steps, depending on the severity of pollution.

GRAP is divided into four stages:

GRAP 1: The initial stage of air pollution, where basic preventive measures are put in place.
GRAP 2: More stringent measures are applied, including restrictions on certain industries and activities.
GRAP 3: Severe measures for critically high pollution levels, such as closing schools and limiting industrial activities.
GRAP 4: The most extreme action, including shutdowns of non-essential businesses and implementing work-from-home guidelines.

The Role of the Supreme Court in Air Pollution Control

The Supreme Court of India has taken a proactive role in tackling Delhi’s air pollution. Its involvement ensures that the necessary legal frameworks and actions are in place to hold authorities accountable for enforcing measures like GRAP. The court has also been instrumental in ordering the Central Air Quality Monitoring Committee (CAQM) to keep a close watch on air quality and ensure the proper implementation of pollution control strategies.

What is GRAP 2?

GRAP 2 is one of the critical stages in the Graded Response Action Plan. When pollution levels in Delhi reach a “very poor” or “severe” range, GRAP 2 restrictions come into effect. This includes a series of preventive measures designed to curb further deterioration of air quality.

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Some of the key measures under GRAP 2 include:

Ban on construction activities that generate dust.
Restrictions on the use of coal and biomass in industrial areas.
Switching to cleaner fuels for industrial and transportation use.
Reduction in vehicular emissions, with increased monitoring and the application of stricter norms.

These restrictions aim to limit emissions from key sources and are enforced to reduce pollution levels before the situation worsens.

What is GRAP 4?

GRAP 4, the most stringent level of the action plan, is activated when pollution levels reach a “hazardous” level. It’s a full-blown emergency response to protect public health from the toxic air that envelops the city.

GRAP 4 Measures Include:

Complete shutdown of non-essential industries.
Implementation of work-from-home directives.
Halting construction and demolition activities completely.
Suspension of outdoor activities for children and vulnerable groups.

In some cases, even private vehicles are restricted, and emergency health advisories are issued. Essentially, at GRAP 4, every possible action is taken to protect residents from the harmful effects of the air quality.

How Are GRAP 2 and GRAP 4 Implemented?

The Central Air Quality Monitoring Committee (CAQM) is tasked with monitoring pollution levels in real-time and ensuring that GRAP restrictions are enforced at the appropriate times.

Steps Involved in GRAP Enforcement:

Monitoring AQI Levels: The first step is continuous monitoring of the Air Quality Index across various parts of Delhi.
Issuing Alerts: Based on the AQI readings, the CAQM issues alerts, triggering the necessary GRAP level.
Enforcement of Measures: The authorities, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and local police, work together to ensure that the restrictions are implemented.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Citizens are informed through media, notifications, and advertisements about the actions they should take to protect themselves.

How GRAP 2 Restrictions Affect Daily Life in Delhi

When GRAP 2 restrictions are activated, daily life in Delhi sees a shift. Industries, construction sites, and certain vehicle movements are limited, causing disruptions in everyday activities. For residents, it means avoiding outdoor exercises, wearing masks, and staying informed about air quality updates.

What Are the GRAP 4 Restrictions?

At the GRAP 4 stage, life comes to a standstill in many areas. Here’s what happens during GRAP 4:

Schools and outdoor activities are suspended to protect children.
Public transport is prioritized to minimize vehicle pollution.
Many businesses shut down temporarily.
People are advised to stay indoors and limit their physical exertion.

The Impact of GRAP 4 on Delhi’s Pollution Levels

While the GRAP 4 restrictions are temporary, they can have a significant impact on reducing pollution levels. When large-scale measures are implemented, emissions from both vehicular traffic and industries are drastically reduced, leading to a noticeable improvement in air quality.

CAQM: The Body Overseeing GRAP Implementation

The CAQM (Central Air Quality Monitoring) body is the ultimate authority when it comes to monitoring and implementing GRAP guidelines. It ensures that the appropriate actions are taken according to the severity of the air pollution, keeping a close watch on the AQI and advising the Supreme Court on further measures if needed.

The Supreme Court’s Verdict on GRAP Today

As of today, the Supreme Court has urged the government and regulatory bodies to enforce stricter GRAP 2 and GRAP 4 measures in Delhi, considering the rising pollution levels. This constant push for accountability ensures that air pollution control stays at the forefront of government actions.

Recent Updates on GRAP 2 and GRAP 4 Restrictions

The CAQM recently updated its guidelines, increasing the severity of GRAP 2 and expanding the scope of GRAP 4 restrictions. With the latest updates, more industries are included in the restrictions, and tougher emissions norms have been set.

What Measures Are Being Taken to Control Air Pollution?

Apart from GRAP, the Delhi government has implemented various other measures:

Promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Strict enforcement of pollution norms for industrial units.
Public health campaigns on the importance of reducing exposure to poor air quality.

Challenges in Enforcing Air Pollution Control

Enforcing air pollution control in a bustling metropolis like Delhi is no easy task. Some of the biggest challenges include:

Non-compliance by industries and construction sites.
Uncontrolled vehicular emissions, especially during the winter months.
Transboundary pollution from neighboring states, including crop burning.

What Can Residents Do to Protect Themselves?

While authorities work on improving air quality, residents can take some precautions:

Stay indoors as much as possible during high pollution periods.
Wear N95 masks to filter out harmful particles.
Use air purifiers to maintain a clean indoor environment.
Monitor AQI through apps and make informed decisions.

FAQs About GRAP and Delhi’s Air Pollution

1. What is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of measures implemented based on the severity of air pollution in Delhi.

2. How does GRAP 2 affect daily life?

GRAP 2 imposes restrictions on construction activities, vehicular emissions, and industrial operations, affecting daily activities like transportation and construction work.

3. What does GRAP 4 entail?

GRAP 4 is the most stringent action, involving shutdowns of non-essential industries, suspension of outdoor activities, and work-from-home directives.

4. How does the Supreme Court influence GRAP?

The Supreme Court plays a crucial role by issuing directions to implement GRAP measures and hold authorities accountable.

5. How can I protect myself from Delhi’s air pollution?

You can wear masks, stay indoors during severe pollution, and use air purifiers to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.

Conclusion

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Through the efforts of the Supreme Court, CAQM, and the implementation of GRAP stages like GRAP 2 and GRAP 4, measures are being taken to protect the citizens. However, more collective action, from both the authorities and the people of Delhi, is needed to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for the capital.