Air Quality Slide in Delhi
GRAP-3 and Red Zone Delhi Air Emergency: The air quality in New Delhi descended sharply, with the 24-hour average AQI reaching around 361 (very poor) and several localities posting readings beyond 400 (severe). Hotspots such as Wazirpur (420), Burari (418) and Vivek Vihar (411) recorded severe levels.
Static GK fact: The four AQI categories under the graded emergency framework are: Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-450), and Severe+ (>450).
What is GRAP and Its Relevance
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a tiered emergency mechanism overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the Delhi-NCR region. It activates progressively as air quality worsens, with each stage introducing stronger restrictions.
Static GK fact: GRAP was first introduced in 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to standardize emergency pollution control measures across Delhi-NCR.
Why Stage 3 Not Invoked Yet
Although AQI crossed the “severe” band, the CAQM sub-committee decided not to impose Stage 3 restrictions immediately. Officials noted that six of the previous seven days performed better than last year and that the forecast did not suggest sustained deterioration. The decision relies on meteorological conditions, trigger thresholds, and effective compliance with Stage 1 and Stage 2 actions.
What Stage 3 Would Trigger
Under Stage 3 (Severe):
- Non-essential construction and demolition activities would be halted.
- Use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles could be restricted in Delhi and NCR districts.
- Schools up to Class V may shift to online or hybrid mode.
- Operation of diesel generator sets, stone crushers, and mining activities may be suspended.
Static GK Tip: The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 empowers authorities to enforce temporary restrictions under such graded frameworks.
Health and Mitigation Imperatives
Prolonged exposure to very poor or severe air quality aggravates respiratory and cardiac conditions, particularly among children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Citizens are advised to minimize outdoor exposure, wear N95 masks, and use air purifiers indoors. Authorities credit measures such as mechanised road sweeping, dust suppression, and vehicular checks for preventing further escalation.
Looking Ahead
Meteorological patterns like low wind speed and shallow mixing height continue to trap pollutants, keeping Delhi-NCR on alert. If AQI persists above the severe threshold, Stage 3 could be triggered immediately. Timely coordination among agencies and active public cooperation will determine how effectively the crisis is managed in the coming weeks.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
GRAP-3 and Red Zone Delhi Air Emergency:
| Topic | Detail |
| Average AQI | Around 361 in Delhi; several hotspots exceeded 400 |
| Trigger for Stage 3 | AQI between 401-450 (Severe) and persistence of poor air quality |
| Current stage | Stage 1 and Stage 2 active; Stage 3 on hold |
| Key actions under Stage 3 | Construction ban, vehicle curbs, school closures, DG set suspension |
| Primary pollution sources | Vehicular emissions, dust, stubble burning, industrial operations |
| Health risk groups | Children, elderly, outdoor workers |
| Responsible authority | Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) |
| Year GRAP introduced | 2017 |
| Governing law | Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 |
| AQI bands | Poor: 201-300, Very Poor: 301-400, Severe: 401-450, Severe+: >450 |
