CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP across Delhi-NCR as AQI enters Poor category

📌 Summary:

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect after Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 208, falling in the Poor category.

• The decision was taken by the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP after reviewing the air quality scenario and IMD/IITM forecasts indicating that air quality is likely to remain Poor in the coming days.

• Stage-I is a 31-point action plan including dust mitigation at construction and demolition (C&D) sites, regular lifting of municipal, C&D and hazardous waste, mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling, and a ban on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste.

• Further measures cover strict PUC enforcement, impounding visibly polluting vehicles, enforcing rules on overaged diesel and petrol vehicles, action against non-compliant industries and brick kilns, and a ban on coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels and eateries.

• Under the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter, citizens are advised to keep vehicles tuned and PUC certificates valid, avoid idling, prefer EVs or hybrids, not litter, avoid firecrackers, and report polluting activities through apps such as 311, Green Delhi and SAMEER.

• The CAQM Sub-Committee will continue to monitor air quality and revise actions depending on AQI levels and forecasts.

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Environment; air pollution management, the role of the CAQM, and graded regulatory responses to air quality.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• CAQM is the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, a statutory body.

• GRAP has four stages linked to AQI: Stage-I Poor (AQI 201-300), Stage-II Very Poor, Stage-III Severe, and Stage-IV Severe Plus.

• Delhi's AQI of 208 falls in the Poor category; the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issues the daily AQI bulletin.

🔑 Key Term: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — a set of emergency anti-pollution measures for Delhi-NCR that are activated in stages as air quality progressively worsens.