Delhi Retains GRAP-IV Protocols Amid Slight Air Quality Recovery

  Nov 22, 2024  #air pollution #delhi #Grap IV #Latest news #the firstcritic #trending news

Delhi, notorious for its recurring pollution crisis during the winter months, has seen a slight improvement in air quality recently, moving from the “severe” to the “very poor” category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has dropped to an average of 322, offering a small respite to residents. However, authorities have decided to keep Stage IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) active to prevent any reversal in progress and mitigate further pollution risks. This move reflects the persistent challenges Delhi faces in combating hazardous air pollution levels.

Why GRAP-IV Remains Active Despite Improvements

While the AQI has improved slightly, experts and officials warn that pollution levels remain dangerously high and could spike again under unfavorable weather conditions. The winter months in Delhi exacerbate pollution due to low temperatures and stagnant wind patterns, which trap pollutants near the surface. Additionally, seasonal factors such as crop stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana contribute significantly to particulate matter in the air, posing challenges for sustained air quality improvements.

The continuation of GRAP-IV restrictions—normally reserved for “severe plus” conditions—is a precautionary measure. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has emphasized that even with current improvements, the “very poor” category still poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Authorities remain vigilant, as minor changes in weather or an increase in pollution sources could push AQI levels back into the “severe” range.

Overview of GRAP and Its Four Stages

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework designed to combat air pollution based on the severity of AQI levels. Introduced in 2017, GRAP classifies actions into four escalating stages:

Stage I – “Poor” AQI (201-300): Measures include stopping garbage burning, increasing mechanical road cleaning, and enforcing Supreme Court-mandated bans on firecrackers.
Stage II – “Very Poor” AQI (301-400): Restrictions include banning diesel generators, increasing public transportation options, and restricting coal use in industrial and hotel sectors.
Stage III – “Severe” AQI (401-450): More stringent measures such as closing brick kilns, limiting coal-based power generation, and halting certain industrial operations are implemented.
Stage IV – “Severe Plus” AQI (450+): The strictest actions include halting all construction and demolition activities, banning the entry of non-essential heavy vehicles, and closing schools and colleges​
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Under the current Stage IV restrictions, all non-essential construction activities are suspended, older diesel vehicles are banned from operating, and only trucks carrying essential goods or those using cleaner fuel technologies like CNG or BS-VI diesel are allowed entry into Delhi. These measures aim to reduce emissions at their source and prevent the situation from worsening.

Current Restrictions and Their Impact

Another critical measure is the restriction on diesel-run vehicles. Only those compliant with BS-VI emission norms or running on cleaner fuels like CNG are permitted on Delhi roads. Additionally, the CAQM has advised schools to conduct classes online for students in grades 6 to 9 and 11, minimizing outdoor exposure for young children during peak pollution periods. Offices, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), have been urged to adopt work-from-home policies or operate at 50% capacity.

Stage IV restrictions have imposed a halt on nearly all construction and demolition activities, including major infrastructure projects such as highways, flyovers, and power lines. The decision has significantly impacted workers and businesses in these sectors but is deemed necessary to control dust and particulate matter emissions, which are among the largest contributors to Delhi’s pollution crisis.

These restrictions have sparked debates about balancing economic activity and environmental protection. While the measures have been effective in curbing immediate emissions, industries and workers affected by the bans have called for long-term solutions to tackle pollution without disrupting livelihoods.

Causes of Delhi’s Persistent Pollution Crisis

The persistence of pollution in Delhi can be attributed to several overlapping factors:

Vehicular Emissions: Delhi has one of the highest vehicle densities in the country, and traffic congestion leads to elevated emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Industrial Activities: Industries in Delhi and neighboring states contribute heavily to air pollution, particularly through the use of coal and other non-renewable energy sources.
Crop Stubble Burning: Seasonal burning of crop residue in Punjab and Haryana adds significant quantities of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) to the air.

Construction Dust: Dust from ongoing construction activities and demolition work is a major source of airborne particulates.

Meteorological Conditions: Winter inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality during the colder months.

Expert Opinions on GRAP’s Effectiveness

Environmental experts have lauded GRAP as a necessary framework for mitigating Delhi’s pollution crisis, but they stress that it is a short-term solution. “GRAP is effective in responding to emergency situations, but it doesn’t address the root causes of pollution. We need long-term strategies such as transitioning to cleaner energy sources, better public transportation, and stricter enforcement of emission norms,” said Dr. Anumita Roychowdhury, an air pollution specialist with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

Others have called for regional collaboration among northern states to tackle shared pollution sources like crop burning and industrial emissions. “Pollution doesn’t recognize state boundaries. A comprehensive, multi-state approach is essential for meaningful progress,” remarked Dr. Roy Malhotra, an environmental economist.

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Public Response to GRAP-IV Measures

The public reaction to GRAP-IV restrictions has been mixed. While many residents acknowledge the importance of the measures, there is growing frustration over the recurring nature of Delhi’s pollution crisis. “Every winter, we face the same problems, and the authorities resort to temporary fixes. It’s time for a long-term plan,” said Ritu Mehra, a resident of South Delhi.

Others have highlighted the inconvenience caused by restrictions, particularly for daily wage workers and small businesses. “The construction ban has left many of us without work. We understand the need to control pollution, but there should be alternatives for people like us,” said Rajesh Kumar, a laborer in the construction sector.