On 21st May, 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) invoked a 27-point action plan under Stage-I across the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration of air quality. This decision was made in response to Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 213 in the ‘Poor’ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Air Quality Scenario in Delhi-NCR
Monitoring and Forecast
The CAQM Sub-Committee reviewed the air quality scenario on 21st May, 2025, noting that Delhi’s AQI had been hovering above the 200 threshold for the past two days, driven by variable winds. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM predicted that the AQI would remain in the ‘Poor’ category (201–300) in the coming days. To address this, the Sub-Committee activated Stage-I of GRAP with immediate effect to ensure proactive measures to control air pollution.
Key Actions Under Stage-I of GRAP
Comprehensive Pollution Control Measures
The 27-point action plan under Stage-I includes a range of measures to be implemented by agencies such as the Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Key actions include:
- Enforcing dust mitigation measures at Construction and Demolition (C&D) sites, including proper storage and transportation of materials.
- Conducting mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads for dust control.
- Banning open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste, with strict penalties for violations.
- Ensuring PUC compliance for vehicles and impounding visibly polluting vehicles.
- Enforcing Supreme Court orders on diverting non-destined truck traffic via Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
These measures aim to curb air pollution and maintain AQI within manageable levels.
Citizen Responsibilities Under Stage-I
Promoting Public Participation
The CAQM urged citizens to adhere to the Citizen Charter under Stage-I of GRAP, which includes actions like:
- Maintaining proper vehicle tuning and tyre pressure.
- Turning off vehicle engines at red lights to reduce idling.
- Using hybrid or electric vehicles to control vehicular pollution.
- Reporting polluting activities via apps like 311 App, Green Delhi App, or SAMEER App.
- Avoiding firecrackers and planting more trees for eco-friendly practices.
Public cooperation is critical to the success of these pollution control efforts.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | 21st May, 2025 |
| AQI Level | 213 (Poor category) |
| Action Plan | 27-point plan under Stage-I of GRAP |
| Key Measures | Dust mitigation, waste management, vehicle emission control |
| Citizen Actions | Vehicle maintenance, eco-friendly practices, reporting violations |
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, the invocation of Stage-I GRAP is a vital topic under environmental protection, air quality management, and current affairs. Aspirants should focus on:
- The role of CAQM in coordinating air pollution control in Delhi-NCR.
- The GRAP framework and its staged approach to tackling air quality issues.
- The importance of citizen participation in environmental initiatives.
- Measures like dust mitigation and vehicular emission control for sustainable urban management.
This development underscores India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban health.
Key Highlights
- CAQM invoked Stage-I of GRAP on 21st May, 2025, due to Delhi’s AQI of 213.
- A 27-point action plan was implemented to control air pollution in the NCR.
- Key measures include dust mitigation, waste management, and vehicle emission control.
- Citizens urged to follow the Citizen Charter, including using Green Delhi App and avoiding firecrackers.
- Relevant for competitive exams under environmental protection, air quality, and current affairs.