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Context:  

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data the average air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was reported to be inching close to ‘severe plus’ levels as it touched 494.

What are different GRAP stages and their restrictions in NCR?

Air Quality Index (AQI)	Delhi’s AQI recorded at 484 on November 18, the worst this season; certain areas breached the 500 mark.
Supreme Court Directive	All Delhi-NCR states must immediately set up teams to strictly enforce GRAP-4 restrictions.
Constitutional Duty	Supreme Court emphasized it is the constitutional duty of all states to ensure a pollution-free environment for citizens.
GRAP Stage 4 Implementation	GRAP Stage 4 restrictions will continue even if AQI drops below 450.
CAQM’s Approach	Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management for delaying GRAP implementation and following a wrong approach.

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by government agencies to monitor and convey air pollution levels and their potential health risks to the public. 

Higher AQI values indicate greater pollution and more significant health concerns. The index is derived from the concentration of key air pollutants over a specific timeframe and is divided into categories, each associated with a health advisory:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–450: Severe
• Above 450: Severe+

What is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a structured framework created to address air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. Designed as an emergency response mechanism, it activates when air quality deteriorates to certain thresholds.

Stage	AQI Level	Key Measures
Stage I	Poor (201–300)	Enforce regulations on older diesel and petrol vehicles. Daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling of roads.
Stage II	Very Poor (301–400)	Control diesel generator usage. Target pollution hotspots for mitigation efforts.
Stage III	Severe (401–450)	Restrict certain vehicles in designated zones. Consider online classes for school children.
Stage IV	Severe+ (AQI > 450)	Ban truck entry into Delhi. Halt construction activities at public project sites. Restrict non-essential business operations.

About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• It is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Mo.E.F.C.C.). It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1974.
• The CPCB is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• It coordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards by providing technical assistance and guidance and also resolves disputes among them. It is the apex organization in country in the field of pollution control as a technical wing of MoEFCC.
• The board is led by its chairperson appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet of the Government of India.

Factors responsible for winter pollution:

Crop Burning	Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop stubble as a quick solution after harvest. This releases smoke and harmful particles, which winds carry to Delhi.
Frozen, Unmoving Winter Air	Cold winter weather in Delhi causes air to stagnate, trapping pollutants near the ground. Leads to accumulation of smog, reducing air quality and increasing health risks.
Temperature Inversion	Thermal inversion traps pollutants due to stability in the atmospheric layer and low wind speed. Temperature increases with height, preventing dispersal of pollutants.
Overpopulation	Delhi's population exceeds 20 million, putting pressure on infrastructure. Increased cars, waste, and energy consumption lead to higher pollution levels.
Vehicular Emissions	High number of vehicles, many of them old, release significant amounts of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Fireworks During Festivals	Despite bans, firecrackers during festivals like Diwali release harmful chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and airborne particles, worsening pollution levels.
Construction and Dust	Rapid urban growth leads to extensive construction, generating dust. Dry weather exacerbates dust pollution, negatively impacting air quality and health.

About CAT III operations

CAT III: CAT III refers to a category of aircraft landing operation that occurs with assistance of the Instrument Landing System or ILS.

• CAT I describes secondary circuits not intended to be connected to the mains electricity supply, such as electronics, including a typical laptop PC, and circuits powered by regulated low voltage sources. 
• CAT II is defined as local-level electrical distribution, such as a standard mains socket and plug-in loads. This category includes household appliances, such as washing machines, and portable plug-in power tools.  
• CAT III references a building’s electrical installations, including circuit-breakers, wiring, switches and industrial equipment.  

• CAT IV involves the source of the low-voltage power installation, essentially the power grid infrastructure, such as underground utility vaults or outdoor power lines.  

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Winter pollution in urban areas, especially in regions like Delhi, is a growing concern. Discuss the major factors responsible for winter pollution and suggest comprehensive measures to mitigate its adverse effects on health and the environment. (250 words)