Why in News? 

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. 

What is GRAP? 

• GRAP is a set of emergency measures activated when air quality in Delhi-NCR crosses certain thresholds. It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and notified in 2017. It aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality. 

Implementation 

• Since 2021, GRAP is managed by the CAQM, replacing the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA), which was dissolved in 2020. The CAQM uses air quality forecasts from IITM and IMD. 

Stages of GRAP 

• Stage I (AQI 201-300, Poor Air Quality): Enforce orders on old diesel/petrol vehicles. 
• Stage II (AQI 301-400, Very Poor): Actions at pollution hotspots and regulation of diesel generators. 
• Stage III (AQI 401-450, Severe): Restrictions on older vehicles and potential school closures for younger children. 
• Stage IV (AQI >450, Severe Plus): Ban on non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel vehicles from entering Delhi. 

Government Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution 

• Polluter Pay Principle 
• Smog Towers 
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 
• BS-VI Vehicles 
• New Commission for Air Quality Management 
• Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) 
• SAFAR (Air Quality and Weather Forecasting) 
• National Air Quality Index (AQI) 
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 

 Conclusion 

GRAP is crucial for controlling air pollution in Delhi-NCR by implementing strict measures when air quality worsens.