Delhi NCR (National Capital Region) has long been grappling with the severe issue of air pollution. Despite various efforts, the city continues to face some of the worst air quality levels in the world, particularly in the winter months. The implementation of the *Graded Response Action Plan* (GRAP) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) aims to reduce the impact of air pollution through a series of escalating measures depending on the pollution levels. However, the frequent imposition of GRAP restrictions has sparked debates about whether they are an effective solution or simply a nuisance for the residents, especially those who own BS-IV diesel vehicles.
In this article, we will examine the different stages of GRAP restrictions, assess their impact on residents and commuters, and suggest alternative measures to address air pollution in Delhi NCR without causing unnecessary disruption.
What is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures designed to combat the rising levels of air pollution in Delhi NCR. The plan is divided into four stages, each corresponding to different levels of air quality. GRAP is activated by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) and implemented by local authorities when air quality deteriorates beyond a certain threshold.
The Four Stages of GRAP
The measures outlined under GRAP become progressively stringent as air quality worsens. Here’s a brief overview of the different stages:
Stage 1: ‘Poor’ Air Quality (AQI 201–300)
Actions:
– Ban on construction and demolition activities unless they are essential.
– Dust mitigation at construction sites and roads.
– Encouragement for carpooling and use of public transport to reduce vehicular emissions.
– Road dust control measures using water sprinklers and anti-smog guns.
At this stage, the air quality is classified as “poor”, but the impact on the general public is not severe enough to require drastic interventions. However, outdoor activities for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions, are advised against.
Stage 2: ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (AQI 301–400)
Actions:
– Ban on construction activities including the use of stone crushers and brick kilns.
– Increasing enforcement of dust mitigation measures.
– Deployment of anti-smog guns on a larger scale.
– Disruption of heavy vehicle movement in certain areas, especially near schools, hospitals, and residential zones.
This is when the pollution levels are deemed hazardous, and the government starts imposing more stringent measures to curb further deterioration.
Stage 3: ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI 401–500)
Actions:
– Closure of all non-essential construction activities.
– Ban on the entry of truckS into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods.
– Introduction of odd-even car schemes (limiting car use based on the last digit of the vehicle registration number).
– Activation of the Graded Response Team (GRT) to monitor the situation more closely.
Stage 3 is typically activated when pollution levels have reached a critical point. Restrictions become severe, especially on vehicular emissions and construction activities.
Stage 4: ‘Severe Plus’ or ‘Emergency’ (AQI 500+)
Actions:
– Complete ban on construction in the city, with very few exceptions.
– Strict restrictions on the use of private vehicles, including the introduction of the odd-even car scheme and restrictions on the use of diesel vehicles.
– Aggressive public transport measures to provide alternatives, such as increasing the frequency of buses and metro trains.
– Severe restrictions on industrial activities that are known to contribute to pollution.
When the AQI crosses the 500 mark, Delhi experiences its worst air quality, which poses serious health risks. This is considered a state of emergency, where immediate and strict measures must be taken to curb pollution.
Impact on Commuters and Residents
While GRAP restrictions are meant to reduce pollution, they often cause inconvenience, particularly for people who rely on private vehicles to commute.
BS-IV Diesel Vehicle Owners: A Major Disruption
One of the most contentious aspects of GRAP is its impact on diesel vehicles, especially BS-IV diesel vehicles. As per the plan, when the air quality reaches a ‘severe’ level (AQI 401–500), the authorities ban the entry of heavy diesel vehicles into Delhi, and often impose restrictions on private diesel vehicles as well. This can be a huge disruption for people who own diesel cars, particularly those who have BS-IV vehicles that were purchased just a few years ago before the BS-VI norms came into effect in April 2020.
In the past month alone, there have been multiple instances where GRAP restrictions were invoked, causing significant disruptions for commuters. For example, the implementation of the *odd-even scheme* and the ban on diesel vehicles has been enforced several times in a single month, creating confusion and anger among residents. The frequent implementation of these measures leaves people uncertain about their daily commute, often causing delays and frustration.
Effect on Daily Life and Public Sentiment
For residents, especially those who live in areas with high traffic density, GRAP measures such as the odd-even scheme and construction bans can severely disrupt daily life. Car owners, especially those who are forced to leave their vehicles off the roads due to the odd-even rule, face considerable inconvenience. Many commuters are left scrambling for alternate modes of transportation, which are often inadequate, especially during peak hours. This increases congestion on public transport and reduces its efficiency.
The construction bans also create economic challenges, especially for those in the construction industry. Delays in projects and rising costs due to halted activities can affect the livelihoods of workers and business owners in this sector.
Suggestions for the Central Authorities
While GRAP plays a role in managing air quality during periods of severe pollution, it is not a sustainable long-term solution. The frequent imposition of these measures highlights the need for more consistent and proactive steps to tackle air pollution in Delhi NCR. Here are a few suggestions for the central government and local authorities:
1. Stricter Enforcement of Pollution Control Regulations
Instead of waiting for the air quality to reach hazardous levels, the authorities must enforce stricter measures throughout the year to curb emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction activities. Regular monitoring of industrial emissions, traffic emissions, and dust levels can help prevent the buildup of pollution.
2. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
One of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution is by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The government can provide additional incentives for the purchase of electric cars, bikes, and buses, while also expanding the charging infrastructure. Providing low-cost, convenient alternatives to traditional vehicles will help reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
3. Expansion of Public Transport
Improving the quality, frequency, and coverage of public transport options can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Introducing more metro lines, buses, and feeder services in suburban areas will encourage more people to shift to public transportation, reducing congestion and pollution.
4. Green Infrastructure Initiatives
Increasing green cover by planting more trees and creating urban forests can absorb pollutants and reduce the overall air pollution levels. Incorporating green spaces in urban planning is essential to combat the heat-island effect, which contributes to the intensity of air pollution.
5. Staggered Working Hours and Flexi-Working
The government can encourage businesses to stagger working hours to reduce rush-hour traffic. Introducing flexible working arrangements can help ease the congestion on roads, particularly in office-heavy areas.
6. Promotion of Carpooling and Shared Mobility
Encouraging shared mobility solutions such as carpooling, ride-sharing, and bike-sharing can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The government can promote this through awareness campaigns and incentives.
7. Emission Standards for Older Vehicles
Instead of banning BS-IV diesel vehicles, the government could introduce a policy to retrofit older vehicles with cleaner technologies or impose stricter emission standards. Providing subsidies for retrofitting can help reduce the pollution from older vehicles without affecting vehicle owners unnecessarily.
Conclusion
While GRAP restrictions in Delhi NCR play an important role in tackling air pollution during extreme episodes, they are not a comprehensive solution. The constant enforcement of these measures creates disturbances for residents, especially those with BS-IV diesel vehicles, and fails to address the root causes of pollution. Instead of relying solely on emergency measures, the government must focus on long-term strategies such as promoting cleaner vehicles, expanding public transport, and enforcing stricter pollution control regulations year-round. Only by addressing air pollution at its source can Delhi hope to provide a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents.
Contributed by Rohit Jain (Intern)