Context
Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has said that the measures under the “very poor” and “severe” category of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will kick in only when the air quality deteriorates further and stays in prescribed levels for 48 hours.
About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of MC Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, a Graded Response Action Plan has been prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely, Moderate & Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
- A new "Severe + or Emergency" category has been added.
- The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was developed in 2016 and introduced in GRAP serves as an emergency measure to address air pollution.
- Measures to be used when air quality is deteriorating.
- The strategy is naturally rising - therefore, when air quality goes from 'Poor' to 'very Poor', the steps listed under both of these components should be followed.
- It prevents (Particulate Matter) PM10 and PM2.5 levels from progressing to the national 'moderate' AQI category.
Implementation
- Until 2020, the Supreme Court that appointed the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) was used to order countries to implement GRAP measures.
- The EPCA was dissolved and replaced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2020.
- CAQM is a statutory mechanism to coordinate and oversee diverse efforts to improve air quality in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and UP, with the underlying remedial approach.
Other measures
- Environmental Protection charge (EPC): In 2016, the SC imposed an EPC on the dealer/ manufacturer of the vehicle has to pay 1% EPC on the Ex-showroom price of new diesel vehicles with engine capacity of 2000cc and above, which is to be registered only in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR).
- Environmental Compensation charge (ECC): In the year 2015, the SC imposed ECC on trucks entering Delhi.
