What is GRAP 4 restriction in Delhi?

If you haven't been living under the rocks, I believe, you've heard about the degrading air quality of Delhi. If you live in Delhi, you know it even better than me. If you don't, you must have seen those images of smoggy streets and wondered - how do people even live in there! But they do. In fact, 33 million people live in there. That's why government had to step in to save the day. We'll see more about it, but first, let us discuss what is GRAP 4 exactly?

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP in short, is a pollution control strategy, a set of measures and restrictions to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It was created by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). And it is overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

It is activated based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). It has four stages, each with progressively stricter actions:

Stage 1: Moderate to Poor (AQI 201–300)

Mechanical street sweeping, water sprinkling, and enforcing dust control.
Actions against garbage burning and pollution from construction.

Stage 2: Very Poor (AQI 301–400)

Measures: Ban on diesel generators except for essential services.
Increased enforcement of anti-dust measures and restrictions on brick kilns and industries using non-clean fuels.

Stage 3: Severe (AQI 401–450)

Measures: Ban on construction and demolition activities, except for essential projects.
Closure of brick kilns, hot mix plants, and stone crushers not using cleaner technologies.

Stage 4: Severe+ Emergency (AQI >450)

Measures: Ban on trucks entering Delhi (except for essential services).
Halting construction activities and restrictions on diesel vehicles.
Consideration of the odd-even rule for private vehicles.
Shutting educational institutions and promoting work-from-home for offices.

History of GRAP

It was introduced in 2017. Its history however roots way back. Environmentalist M.C. Mehta had filed a PIL in 1985. She was deeply concerned about the rising air pollution levels in Delhi, invoking the constitutional right to life under Article 21, which encompasses the right to a clean and healthy environment. In 2016, The Supreme Court directed the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as a part of this ongoing judicial oversight.

The Situation right now

So, the situation right now in Delhi is not great. According to sources, the AQI there has crossed freaking 1500, let alone 450. Hence, CAQM has imposed GRAP 4, restricting several activities. Some of the measures taken are as follows:

Traffic Restrictions: Entry of most diesel vehicles has been banned (except essential services and BS-VI/CNG vehicles) into Delhi and restrictions on construction activities.
Work Adjustments: 50% work-from-home policies in public, private, and municipal offices. Back to the lockdown days, eh?
Educational Institutions: Potential closure of schools or a shift to online classes.
Other Measures: Emergency curbs like the odd-even vehicle system may be considered.

Also, the Supreme Court has ordered that GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR must remain in effect until further notice due to severe air pollution.

In next articles, we'll discuss in detail, the chronology of this disaster and what chain of events had caused this mayhem and the possible ways out. Till then, stay safe, try to stay at home.

genps.org