What is GRAP-IV, now in force in Delhi and the National Capital Region?

The invocation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on December 13, due to air quality plummeting to 'severe+' levels, underscores India's persistent struggle with air pollution, particularly in its capital. This emergency measure is a critical component of the country's strategy to combat extreme pollution events and is of immense significance for competitive exam aspirants.

**Background Context and Historical Evolution:**

Delhi-NCR has been grappling with severe air pollution for decades, a problem that intensifies during the winter months. This seasonal spike is attributed to a combination of factors: stubble burning in neighboring agricultural states (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh), vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, meteorological conditions (low wind speed, temperature inversion trapping pollutants), and widespread use of biomass for heating and cooking. The crisis reached alarming levels in the mid-2010s, prompting significant judicial and executive intervention. The Supreme Court of India, through various directives, pushed for a comprehensive plan to address the issue. This led to the formulation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in 2017, initially by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA), a body constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. GRAP categorizes air quality into 'Poor', 'Very Poor', 'Severe', and 'Severe+' levels, prescribing a set of progressive, stringent actions for each stage. The aim is to prevent the situation from worsening and to bring down pollution levels.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

On December 13, 2023, the air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated to 'severe+' category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke GRAP-IV. This stage represents the most stringent set of emergency measures. Key restrictions include a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, a prohibition on the entry of diesel trucks into Delhi (with exceptions for essential services), and a ban on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles across the NCR. Additionally, industries not running on approved cleaner fuels are directed to cease operations. The primary stakeholder responsible for implementing and enforcing GRAP is the **Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)**. Established by an Ordinance in 2020 and subsequently through the CAQM Act, 2021, this statutory body has overarching powers to coordinate actions among various state governments (Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) and central ministries, superseding older bodies like EPCA. Other crucial stakeholders include the **Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)**, which monitors air quality and provides technical guidance, and the respective **State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)**. The **Supreme Court of India** and the **National Green Tribunal (NGT)** have historically played a pivotal role in issuing directives and monitoring compliance, acting as judicial watchdogs. Most importantly, the **citizens** of Delhi-NCR are direct stakeholders, bearing the health brunt and facing disruptions to daily life.

**Significance for India and Constitutional Context:**

Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is a microcosm of a larger environmental governance challenge facing India. The invocation of GRAP-IV highlights several critical aspects for the nation. Firstly, it underscores the severe **public health crisis**, with millions exposed to toxic air, leading to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths. This imposes a significant **economic burden** on healthcare systems and reduces productivity. Secondly, it reflects the **challenges in inter-state coordination** and policy implementation, as pollution sources often transcend administrative boundaries. The CAQM's role in this regard is crucial. Thirdly, it touches upon India's **constitutional commitment to environmental protection**. Article 21, the Right to Life, has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. Furthermore, Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP), mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country'. Article 51A(g) enshrines a Fundamental Duty upon every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures'. These constitutional provisions form the bedrock for environmental legislation like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, under which GRAP and CAQM operate.

**Future Implications and Broader Themes:**

While GRAP-IV provides immediate relief by curbing pollution sources, it is an emergency measure, not a long-term solution. The future implications point towards a need for sustained, comprehensive strategies. This includes transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting electric vehicles, improving public transport infrastructure, strict enforcement of industrial emission standards, managing agricultural waste effectively (e.g., through 'Pusa decomposer' or incentives against stubble burning), and greening urban spaces. The emphasis must shift from reactive emergency responses to proactive prevention. The CAQM's mandate is to develop and implement such long-term strategies, including source apportionment studies to identify precise contributions of various pollutants. This issue also connects to broader themes of governance, sustainable development, public policy formulation, and the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. India's commitment to international climate goals, like those under the Paris Agreement, also necessitates robust domestic environmental action. The effectiveness of GRAP, and ultimately the CAQM, will be judged by its ability to deliver cleaner air consistently, not just during crisis moments, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for the NCR and potentially other polluted urban centers in India.