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Source: This post on GRAP Stage IV has been created based on the article “Why GRAP stage IV has been announced now, what is allowed under it” published in Indian Express on 16th November 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, the Supreme Court questioned the Delhi government about the “delay” in implementing stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
About GRAP
1. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework of emergency measures designed to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
2. It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and operational since 2017.
3. The plan is incremental:
| Stages | Description/ criteria |
| Stage I: | When AQI is ‘poor’ (201-300). |
| Stage II: | When AQI is ‘very poor’ (301-400). |
| Stage III: | When AQI is ‘severe’ (401-450). |
| Stage IV: | When AQI reaches ‘severe +’ (above 450). |
Why Stage IV Now?
1. AQI in Delhi-NCR reached 441 on Sunday evening and breached the severe+ threshold by night.
2. Deterioration caused by heavy fog, variable wind and unfavorable meteorological conditions.
3. The Supreme Court criticized the delay in implementing GRAP IV despite worsening air quality.
4. Authorities have directed the measures to continue even if AQI drops below 450 until further notice.
Restrictions Under GRAP Stage IV
1. Truck Entry Ban: Stop entry of trucks into Delhi except: Trucks carrying essential commodities/services and LNG/CNG/Electric/BS-VI Diesel trucks.
2. Restrictions on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs): LCVs registered outside Delhi are banned unless:
i) They are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles.
ii) Carry essential commodities/services.
3. Ban on Medium and Heavy Diesel Goods Vehicles (MGVs/HGVs): BS-IV and below diesel-operated MGVs and HGVs are prohibited unless carrying essential goods/services.
4. Construction Ban: Halt all construction and demolition activities, including linear public projects such as: Highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, pipelines, and telecom projects.
5. Education and Work Adjustments:
Schools: States to consider closing physical classes for grades VI-IX and XI and move to online lessons.
Workplaces: 50% workforce limit for public, municipal, and private offices. Central government to decide on work-from-home measures.
6. Other Measures: Consider closure of colleges and non-essential commercial activities, and introduce odd-even vehicle rules if necessary.
7. Public Advisory: Citizens urged to follow the Citizen Charter to aid effective implementation of GRAP measures. Vulnerable groups (children, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses) should avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
