Tags:EnvironmentDelhiUPSC
For Prelims: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Air Quality Index (AQI), Full form of GRAP, Nodal body for air quality in NCR, AQI threshold for GRAP-III, Current Chief Justice of India, Current context
For Mains: Public movement, behavioural change, environmental justice, commercialisation of festivals, reactive vs preventive measures, scientific alternatives
Source:
The Hindu
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- The Supreme Court termed GRAP measures as 'old, tried and failed tools'.
- GRAP-III is imposed when Delhi's AQI crosses 400 (severe category).
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements GRAP in the NCR.
- The Chief Justice of India is Surya Kant.
- The court called for a public movement to combat air pollution.
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court has criticised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures—banning vehicles and construction—as 'old, tried and failed tools' to combat Delhi's air pollution. As the AQI crossed 400, GRAP-III restrictions were imposed. The court called for a public movement and a return to traditional Deepavali practices, highlighting that the poorest bear the worst consequences of pollution caused by the affluent.
Summary
- The Supreme Court termed emergency measures like vehicle bans and construction halts under GRAP as 'old, tried and failed tools' to curb Delhi's air pollution.
- The court observed that Delhi is 'overflowing' with vehicles from neighbouring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, and that even improved fuel cannot solve the problem without public behavioural change.
- The court called for a public movement and a return to traditional Deepavali practices (diyas) instead of commercialised festivities, noting that the poorest sections suffer most from pollution caused by the affluent.
Highlights
SC Criticises GRAP Measures
The Supreme Court called vehicle bans and construction halts under GRAP 'old, tried and failed tools', asking for scientific alternatives.
Delhi AQI Crosses 400, GRAP-III Imposed
With AQI over 400, the national capital moved to GRAP-III restrictions, which include a ban on non-essential construction and certain vehicles.
Court Calls for Return to Traditional Deepavali
The CJI urged a public movement to revert to traditional diyas and simple festivities, blaming commercialisation for worsening pollution.
Background
Delhi's air pollution is a recurring winter crisis, with AQI often entering the 'severe' category. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to tackle pollution spikes. GRAP has four stages: Stage I (AQI 201-300, 'Poor'), Stage II (301-400, 'Very Poor'), Stage III (401-450, 'Severe'), and Stage IV (451-500, 'Severe+'). The Supreme Court has been monitoring the issue through multiple hearings.
Key Analysis and Impact
The Supreme Court's observation that GRAP measures are 'old, tried and failed tools' highlights the limitations of reactive, emergency-based approaches. The court pointed out that Delhi is 'overflowing' with vehicles from neighbouring states, making fuel quality checks impossible. The commercialisation of Deepavali was also flagged, with the CJI noting that the poorest suffer most from pollution caused by the affluent. The court's call for a 'public movement' and a return to traditional practices underscores the need for behavioural change alongside regulatory action.
Way Forward
The court has agreed to pass directions and will hear the case after Deepavali vacations. A shift towards long-term, preventive measures—such as stricter vehicle emission norms, promotion of public transport, and incentives for cleaner fuels—may be necessary. The court also suggested awareness campaigns as a desperate measure. The effectiveness of GRAP itself may need a scientific review, as the court has demanded 'significant scientific methods' beyond bans.
GRAP Stages and AQI Thresholds
| Stage | AQI Range | Category |
|---|---|---|
| GRAP-I | 201-300 | Poor |
| GRAP-II | 301-400 | Very Poor |
| GRAP-III | 401-450 | Severe |
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- A set of emergency measures implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). It has four stages based on AQI levels.
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- A statutory body constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, to coordinate and regulate air pollution in the NCR.
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- A numerical index used to communicate the level of air pollution to the public. It ranges from 0 (Good) to 500. Categories: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-450), Severe+ (451-500).
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: GRAP-III is imposed when AQI crosses 400 (severe category)
- Nodal Body: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Legal Point: Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may confuse GRAP stages: Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450) vs Stage IV (Severe+, AQI 451-500). They may also swap CAQM with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Write these in mains answers
- Public movement, behavioural change, environmental justice, commercialisation of festivals, reactive vs preventive measures, scientific alternatives
Stuck? Get it in one tap
Delhi's air gets very bad in winter. The government has a plan called GRAP with different stages. When the air is very bad (AQI above 400), stage III is used, which bans construction and some vehicles. The Supreme Court said these bans are old ideas that do not work well. The court wants new scientific solutions and people to change their habits.
- The Supreme Court termed GRAP measures as 'old, tried and failed tools'.
- GRAP-III is imposed when Delhi's AQI crosses 400 (severe category).
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements GRAP in the NCR.
- The Chief Justice of India is Surya Kant.
- The court called for a public movement to combat air pollution.
- Environment: Air pollution and its control
- Polity: Supreme Court and its powers
Related concepts: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Air Quality Index (AQI)
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which statutory body is primarily responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region?
Explanation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the statutory body constituted under the CAQM Act, 2021 to coordinate and regulate air pollution in the NCR. The CPCB is a technical advisory body under the Water and Air Acts, while the MoEFCC is the nodal ministry. The DPCC is a state-level body for Delhi.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
- 1.GRAP is a set of emergency measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the National Capital Region.
- 2.GRAP-III restrictions are imposed when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 450.
- 3.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing GRAP.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: GRAP is an emergency response plan for NCR. Statement 2 is incorrect: GRAP-III is imposed when AQI is between 401 and 450; GRAP-IV is for AQI above 450. Statement 3 is correct: CAQM is the implementing body. Hence option C is correct.
- Q3Medium
At what Air Quality Index (AQI) threshold is GRAP-III (Stage III) imposed in the National Capital Region?
Explanation: GRAP-III is imposed when the AQI crosses 400 and falls in the 'Severe' category (401-450). GRAP-II is for AQI 301-400 (Very Poor), and GRAP-IV is for AQI above 450 (Severe+). AQI above 200 is 'Poor' (GRAP-I).
- Q4Medium
What is the primary limitation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as highlighted by the Supreme Court in this hearing?
Explanation: The Supreme Court termed GRAP measures as 'old, tried and failed tools', indicating that reactive bans are not effective. The court called for scientific, long-term alternatives and a public movement. The other options are not discussed in the news.
Frequently asked questions
1. What did the Supreme Court say about GRAP measures?
The Supreme Court termed measures like banning vehicles and construction under GRAP as 'old, tried and failed tools' and asked for scientific alternatives.
2. When is GRAP-III imposed in Delhi?
GRAP-III is imposed when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 400 and falls in the 'Severe' category (401-450).
3. Which body is responsible for implementing GRAP in the NCR?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the statutory body responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan in the National Capital Region.
4. What did the CJI suggest as a solution to Delhi's pollution?
The CJI called for a public movement and a return to traditional Deepavali practices like using diyas instead of commercialised festivities.
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- Original6 November 2026 · Read story
