Grap-III Imposed in NCR, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• GRAP Stage-III has been implemented across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect due to deteriorating air quality.
• The decision was made by the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP following an emergency review on Friday evening.
• Measures include a ban on private BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and high-density NCR districts.
• Primary schools up to Class V in Delhi-NCR are mandated to switch to hybrid learning mode.
• Unfavourable weather conditions, such as stagnant winds and potential temperature inversion, are contributing to poor dispersion of pollutants.
• Transport emissions were the largest contributor to PM 2.5 at 17.6%, followed by smoke from farm fires at 7.9%, according to IITM's Decision Support System.
• Central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh (1,220 fires) and Rajasthan (1,097 fires) have emerged as significant sources of farm fires this season.

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Detailed Insights:

• The implementation of GRAP Stage-III aims to prevent air quality from further deteriorating into the 'severe' category.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) monitors air quality and enforces emergency measures based on pollution levels and meteorological forecasts.
• Restrictions on specific vehicle categories target a major source of vehicular emissions, which are a primary contributor to urban air pollution.
• Mandating hybrid learning for primary school children is a protective measure, as young children are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.
• Temperature inversion creates a 'lid' over the city, trapping heavy baseline emissions, farm fumes, and Diwali smoke near the surface.
• The timing of Diwali in November, coinciding with colder temperatures, can exacerbate pollution by hindering the dissipation of firecracker emissions.
• While farm fires in Punjab and Haryana have shown a reduction compared to previous years, the rise in central India indicates a shifting geographic baseline for this pollution source.
• The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) provides crucial data through its Decision Support System to identify pollution sources for targeted interventions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution based on its severity.
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): A statutory body responsible for coordinating and directing action against air pollution in the National Capital Region.
• PM 2.5 & PM 10: Fine particulate matter in the air, with diameters less than 2.5 and 10 micrometers respectively, posing significant health risks.
• Temperature Inversion: A meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the ground, preventing their dispersion.