Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
30.10.2025
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Context
In October 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 300, placing the city in the “very poor” category.
About the News
Background: The air quality in Delhi deteriorated rapidly due to stagnant weather, vehicular emissions, and construction dust. Invoking Stage II allows authorities to implement pre-determined measures before pollution reaches severe levels.
Objective: The aim is to ensure a structured, time-bound, and anticipatory response to increasing pollution levels rather than ad-hoc interventions.
About GRAP
Definition: The Graded Response Action Plan is a statutory mechanism under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, designed to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR through escalating measures depending on AQI readings.
Establishment: Introduced in 2017 following Supreme Court directives and revised by the CAQM in 2024 to incorporate real-time and forecast-based enforcement.
Purpose: To create a preemptive, stage-wise plan for managing air quality based on scientific monitoring and weather forecasting.
Stages of GRAP
|
Stage |
Category |
AQI Range |
Key Actions |
|
I |
Poor |
201–300 |
Dust and waste control, stricter vehicle checks |
|
II |
Very Poor |
301–400 |
Mechanical sweeping, DG set limits, C&D dust management |
|
III |
Severe |
401–450 |
Restriction on BS-III/IV vehicles, curbs on construction |
|
IV |
Severe+ |
Above 450 |
Truck entry ban, halting construction, remote work advisories |
Key Features
- Dynamic activation: Measures triggered automatically based on AQI data and weather forecasts.
- Cumulative approach: Each stage adds to previous steps, ensuring layered restrictions.
- Inter-agency coordination: Joint implementation by CAQM, CPCB, SPCBs, municipal bodies, and traffic authorities.
- Predictive enforcement: Preventive actions based on forecasted pollution spikes using IMD and IITM data.
Way Forward
Adopt stricter enforcement, promote cleaner fuels, enhance citizen awareness, and strengthen regional coordination to reduce pollution sources sustainably.
Conclusion
GRAP represents India’s systematic strategy to manage Delhi-NCR’s chronic air pollution. By combining data-driven enforcement with public accountability, it aims to safeguard public health while maintaining urban activity balance.