Score:
6.5/10
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS3
Environment & Ecology
10 marks
Discuss the major causes of deteriorating air quality in Delhi during the post-monsoon season. How effective has the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) been in addressing these challenges?
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Major causes of deteriorating air quality in Delhi during post-monsoon season
- Effectiveness of GRAP in addressing these challenges
What you wrote:
Delhi consistently records severe levels of air pollution in the post-monsoon season, with Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crossing the "Hazardous" mark. This seasonal deterioration is the result of meteorological conditions & anthropogenic activities interacting after the monsoon withdrawal.
Delhi consistently records severe levels of air pollution in the post-monsoon season, with Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crossing the "Hazardous" mark. This seasonal deterioration is the result of meteorological conditions & anthropogenic activities interacting after the monsoon withdrawal.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could strengthen with recent data (e.g., October 2025 AQI reaching 211 triggering Stage-I GRAP, showing the persistent nature of this challenge).
What you wrote:
Major causes of post-monsoon:
* Stubble burning in Punjab & Haryana & western Uttar Pradesh releases particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) transported to Delhi by northwesterly winds.
* Increased construction dust after monsoon break.
* Temperature Inversion / low wind speed trapping pollutants.
* Festive season, for example; Diwali crackers, biomass burning.
* Vehicular emissions; Diesel trucks allowed post-harvest.
Major causes of post-monsoon:
* Stubble burning in Punjab & Haryana & western Uttar Pradesh releases particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) transported to Delhi by northwesterly winds.
* Increased construction dust after monsoon break.
* Temperature Inversion / low wind speed trapping pollutants.
* Festive season, for example; Diwali crackers, biomass burning.
* Vehicular emissions; Diesel trucks allowed post-harvest.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could quantify stubble burning impact (e.g., contributes 32% of daily pollution deaths during post-monsoon as per recent studies)
- Can elaborate on construction activities resuming post-monsoon as a significant dust source
What you wrote:
Effectiveness of GRAP;
Implemented since 2017, provides a tiered framework of measures based on AQI levels.
| Successes | Limitations |
| --- | --- |
| * Institutionalized coordination between CPCB, DPCC & Local bodies; ensured quick legally enforceable responses. | * Predominantly reactive, not preventive; |
| * Legal enforcement under Air Act, real-time AQI monitoring. | * enforcement remain inconsistent across NCR; Inter-state coordination on stubble burning is weak & public awareness remain limited. |
Effectiveness of GRAP;
Implemented since 2017, provides a tiered framework of measures based on AQI levels.
| Successes | Limitations |
| --- | --- |
| * Institutionalized coordination between CPCB, DPCC & Local bodies; ensured quick legally enforceable responses. | * Predominantly reactive, not preventive; |
| * Legal enforcement under Air Act, real-time AQI monitoring. | * enforcement remain inconsistent across NCR; Inter-state coordination on stubble burning is weak & public awareness remain limited. |
Suggestions to improve:
- Could include recent GRAP Stage-I activation in October 2025 as current example
- Can add specific GRAP stages (Stage I-IV) with AQI thresholds for better clarity
What you wrote:
GRAP is a step forward, but without structural reform in agriculture, transport & regional cooperation, it remains a temporary firefighting tool, not a long-term solution.
GRAP is a step forward, but without structural reform in agriculture, transport & regional cooperation, it remains a temporary firefighting tool, not a long-term solution.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could mention recent government innovation challenges offering ₹50 lakh rewards for pollution solutions showing policy evolution
- Can link to sustainable development goals (SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities)
Well-structured answer with strong analytical framework, effective tabular presentation, and balanced assessment of GRAP's mixed effectiveness. Minor scope for recent examples and quantitative data enhancement.
Demand of the Question
- Major causes of deteriorating air quality in Delhi during post-monsoon season
- Effectiveness of GRAP in addressing these challenges
What you wrote:
Delhi consistently records severe levels of air pollution in the post-monsoon season, with Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crossing the "Hazardous" mark. This seasonal deterioration is the result of meteorological conditions & anthropogenic activities interacting after the monsoon withdrawal.
Delhi consistently records severe levels of air pollution in the post-monsoon season, with Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crossing the "Hazardous" mark. This seasonal deterioration is the result of meteorological conditions & anthropogenic activities interacting after the monsoon withdrawal.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could strengthen with recent data (e.g., October 2025 AQI reaching 211 triggering Stage-I GRAP, showing the persistent nature of this challenge).
More Challenges
View All- View Challenge
GS3
Disaster Management
25 Jul, 2026
Recurring floods in India are increasingly becoming a consequence of developmental and governance failures rather than natural phenomena alone. Examine this statement in the light of the recent Assam floods. Suggest measures for building long-term flood resilience.
- View Challenge
GS2
International Relations
Yesterday
The proposed U.S - Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal reflects the growing strategic importance of nuclear diplomacy in contemporary international relations. Examine its geopolitical significance and discuss its implications for regional stability and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.
- View Challenge
GS3
Economy
23 Jul, 2026
India's pharmaceutical industry is increasingly becoming a strategic pillar of the economy and global healthcare. In this context, examine the implications of the proposed U.S. tariffs on generic medicines for India's pharmaceutical sector and discuss the policy measures needed to strengthen its global competitiveness.
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.
Download the App
STUDY RESOURCES
CONTACT US
ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited