Daily Current Affairs : 7-November-2023

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a crucial statutory body, has recently implemented measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR). This move is a response to the alarming levels of pollution in the region, reflecting the severity of the air quality crisis.

Understanding GRAP: A Tool for Emergency Response

GRAP, a comprehensive emergency response system, comes into play to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the Delhi-NCR region. Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and notified in 2017, GRAP operates on an incremental scale. Its stages are triggered based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), indicating the severity of pollution. The stages are as follows:

  1. Stage 1 (Poor): AQI 201-300
  2. Stage 2 (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
  3. Stage 3 (Severe): AQI 401-450
  4. Stage 4 (Severe +): AQI more than 450
GRAP Stage 4 Measures: Tackling the Crisis Head-On

As GRAP reached Stage 4 due to the NCR’s AQI hitting the ‘Severe+’ category, several stringent measures were initiated:

  • Ban on Non-BS-VI Diesel Vehicles:
    • Prohibition of diesel four-wheelers not compliant with Bharat Stage VI emission standards.
    • Restriction on the entry of non-BS-VI compliant trucks into Delhi.
    • BS-VI fuel, with significantly reduced sulfur levels, aims to curtail air pollutants from vehicles.
  • Construction Activity Halt:
    • Suspension of construction and demolition activities, including those on public projects like highways, roads, and pipelines.
    • A step towards curbing particulate matter and dust emissions.
  • Educational and Office Disruptions:
    • Possible discontinuation of physical classes for specific grades (6 to 9 and 11).
    • Consideration for online classes and work-from-home policies for public, private, and municipal offices.
    • Contemplation of emergency measures, such as college closures and restrictions on non-emergency commercial activities.
  • Additional Emergency Measures by State Governments:
    • Potential closure of colleges and other educational institutions.
    • Consideration of odd-even vehicle movement policies.
    • Evaluation of various emergency steps to mitigate the air quality crisis.
Important Points:
  • Understanding GRAP: A Tool for Emergency Response
    • GRAP is an incremental emergency response system for air quality.
    • Stages triggered based on AQI severity: Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-450), and Severe + (more than 450).
  • GRAP Stage 4 Measures: Tackling the Crisis Head-On
    • Ban on Non-BS-VI Diesel Vehicles:
      • Prohibition of non-compliant diesel four-wheelers and trucks.
      • Introduction of BS-VI fuel for an 80% reduction in sulfur levels.
    • Construction Activity Halt:
      • Suspension of construction and demolition activities.
      • Focus on reducing particulate matter and dust emissions.
    • Educational and Office Disruptions:
      • Possible discontinuation of physical classes for certain grades.
      • Consideration of online classes and work-from-home policies for offices.
      • Contemplation of measures like college closures and restrictions on non-emergency commercial activities.
    • Additional Emergency Measures by State Governments:
      • Potential closure of colleges and educational institutions.
      • Consideration of odd-even vehicle movement policies.
      • Evaluation of various emergency steps to mitigate air quality issues.
Why In News

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for formulating strategies to combat pollution in the region recently invoked measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region with immediate effect, signaling a heightened urgency to address the escalating air quality crisis and protect public health.

MCQs about GRAP

  1. What triggers the implementation of GRAP Stage 4 measures in Delhi-NCR?
    A. Random decisions by CAQM
    B. Severe deterioration of air quality
    C. Supreme Court orders
    D. Yearly routine
    Correct Answer: B. Severe deterioration of air quality
    Explanation: GRAP Stage 4 measures are implemented in response to the severe deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.
  2. At what Air Quality Index (AQI) level does GRAP Stage 1 get activated?
    A. 101-200
    B. 201-300
    C. 301-400
    D. 401-450
    Correct Answer: B. 201-300
    Explanation: GRAP Stage 1 is activated when the AQI is in the ‘poor’ category, which is 201-300.
  3. What is the primary focus of the ban on non-BS-VI diesel vehicles under GRAP Stage 4?
    A. Restriction on all diesel vehicles
    B. Reducing vehicular traffic
    C. Regulating air pollutants from vehicles
    D. Encouraging electric vehicles
    Correct Answer: C. Regulating air pollutants from vehicles
    Explanation: The ban on non-BS-VI diesel vehicles aims to regulate the output of air pollutants from vehicles.
  4. What is the significance of the BS-VI fuel ?
    A. Reducing traffic congestion
    B. Enhancing engine performance
    C. Bringing a reduction in sulfur levels
    D. Increasing fuel prices
    Correct Answer: C. Bringing a reduction in sulfur levels
    Explanation: The BS-VI fuel is introduced to bring about an 80% reduction in sulfur levels, thereby reducing air pollutants from vehicles.

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