What is GRAP? Delhi’s plan to combat ‘very severe’ air pollution

The implementation of GRAP Stage 4 has been ordered in Delhi-NCR by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as the air quality drops to a very severe stage. 

Priyank Kanoongo, the NCPCR chief, recently sent out a letter to the Chief Secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, asking him to consider closing down schools till the time the air quality of the city improves, keeping with the best interest of children. Residents of Delhi have also been facing breathing problems due to the severe drop in the air quality of the capital city. 

Also read | How Delhi’s air quality compares to other major cities of the world

The government is also expected to take a decision on permitting work from home for central government offices. Additional measures like the closure of non-emergency commercial activities and allowing vehicles on an odd-even basis can also be implemented in Delhi soon. 

What is GRAP?

Depending on the severity of air pollution, GRAP or GRAP 4 is a set of emergency measures implemented as required in four stages. Stage 1 is “poor” (when AQI is 201-300), Stage 2 is “very poor” (when AQI is 301-400), Stage 3 is “severe” (when AQI is 401-450) and Stage 4 is “severe plus” (when AQI is above 450).

Also Read | Delhi-NCR AQI just under severe plus: What is allowed, what’s not after GRAP Stage 4 imposed

Due to stubble burning in adjacent states, Delhi was pushed to the fourth stage of GRAP on Thursday, which is the “very severe” category. 

What measures will be enforced by the Delhi government?

In light of the implementation of GRAP 4, the following measures might be implemented by the government:

1. Entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services and all CNG / electric trucks) will be suspended. 

2. Plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) in Delhi will be banned, except for those carrying essential commodities.

Also Read | AQI in Delhi, NCR notch short of severe plus category, GRAP stage 4 implemented

3. Plying of 4-wheeler diesel LMVS in NCT of Delhi and Districts of NCR bordering Delhi will be banned, except BS-VI vehicles and vehicles used for essential and/or emergency services.

4. All industries in the NCR will be closed, even in areas that do not have PNG infrastructure and supply but running on fuels.

5. C&D activities might be banned in linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, over bridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc.

6. Public, municipal and private offices may be allowed to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.