What is GRAP and how it is implemented, Pg4.

Key Highlights:

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a mechanism for governments in Delhi-NCR to take actions as air pollution rises.
• GRAP was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016, and is overseen by the CAQM.
• GRAP has four stages linked to the Air Quality Index (AQI): Poor, Very Poor, Severe and Severe+.
• Currently, GRAP III is in effect in Delhi.

Detailed Insights:

• The core idea of GRAP is to implement pre-emptive measures and restrictions as soon as air pollution reaches a certain threshold.
• Stage I of GRAP is activated when the AQI reaches the "poor" category (201-300), causing breathing discomfort.
• Stage II is implemented when the AQI worsens to "very poor" (301-400), potentially causing respiratory illness.
• Stage III is reached during "severe" pollution (AQI 401-500), affecting healthy individuals and those with existing conditions.
• Stage IV is the most severe stage, triggered when conditions enter the "severe+" range (AQI over 500).
• Each stage of GRAP has a specific set of actions for governments, with measures from earlier stages remaining in effect when a higher stage is activated.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A metric used to indicate air pollution levels.
• CAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for overseeing GRAP implementation.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of pre-emptive measures to combat air pollution based on AQI levels.