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Breathless in the Capital: Delhi Imposes Stage II GRAP Amid Health Crisis

In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the activation of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, effective from 8 AM, October 22, 2024.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Oct 21, 2024

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GRAP II Activated as Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens: A Detailed Report on Pollution Crisis Delhi-NCR’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Very Poor,’ GRAP Stage II Enforced from October 22 

In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the activation of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, effective from 8 AM, October 22, 2024. 

The decision aims to contain the further decline in air quality, which has been steadily deteriorating over the past weeks. The CAQM recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi at 301 around 4 PM on Monday, signaling that the capital has officially entered the “very poor” category. 

With the winter season approaching and pollution levels likely to surge further, the GRAP-II measures are intended to mitigate the situation before it escalates to more severe levels. 

GRAP-II Measures: Tighter Curbs to Tackle Pollution 

Stage II introduces additional restrictions and mitigation strategies, building on the first stage that was implemented on October 15. The focus under GRAP-II is on: 

• Mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on key roads to control dust. 

• Enhanced public transport services with more CNG and electric buses, and additional metro trips to discourage private vehicle use. 

• Increased parking fees to deter private vehicle usage and reduce congestion. 

• Traffic personnel deployment at critical junctions to prevent bottlenecks. 

• Dust control measures at construction and demolition sites to be strictly enforced. 

• Power generators discouraged, and residents advised to use public transport and replace air filters in vehicles regularly. 

These measures supplement Stage I actions, which include curbs on polluting vehicles, dust management, and restrictions on open burning of waste. 

Stage I also limits the use of coal or wood in eateries and prohibits diesel generators, except for essential services. 

GRAP’s Four-Stage Structure 

The Graded Response Action Plan is divided into four stages, corresponding to AQI categories: 

• Stage I: Poor (AQI 201-300) 

• Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400) 

• Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450) 

• Stage IV: Severe Plus (AQI >450) 

Each stage adds more stringent restrictions. The activation of Stage II reflects the urgency to contain pollution levels before they deteriorate further. 

Delhi Residents Report Widespread Health Issues from Pollution 

A recent survey by LocalCircles, published on October 19, 2024, paints a grim picture of how air pollution is impacting Delhi’s residents. Out of 21,000 responses from across the NCR, the survey found that: 

• 36% of families reported at least one member suffering from ailments such as sore throat, cough, and breathing difficulties. 

• 27% of families reported runny noses and nasal congestion. 

• 22% of respondents expressed intentions to leave the city temporarily during peak pollution around Diwali. 

The survey also revealed that only 18% of respondents plan to use air purifiers, while a majority aim to rely on immunity-boosting foods and drinks to cope with the health effects. 

Air Quality Trends and Pollution Sources: Alarming Data from Respirer Reports 

According to Respirer Reports’ five-year analysis of PM2.5 levels, Delhi continues to rank among the most polluted cities in the country. The capital has recorded the highest PM2.5 levels in October over the past five years, with a 4.4% rise in 2023 compared to the previous year. 

The study shows that Delhi’s average PM2.5 concentration is 100.1 µg/m³, exceeding both the national standard of 60 µg/m³ and the WHO’s recommended limit of 15 µg/m³. Patna, another highly polluted city, follows closely with an average concentration of 99.7 µg/m³. 

The primary contributors to PM10 and PM2.5 levels include: 

• Road dust: Responsible for 42% of PM10 in Delhi and 38% of PM2.5. 

• Vehicular emissions: Account for 25% of PM10 and 47% of PM2.5. 

• Stubble burning: Adds 7-10% to PM2.5 levels in NCR during the winter months. 

• Construction activities: Contribute 15% of particulate matter levels. 

The increasing population of vehicles in Delhi—rising from 3 million in 1998 to over 12 million by 2019—remains a critical challenge despite stricter BS VI emission standards.

 While these regulations promise long-term improvements, their impact will only be fully realized by 2027, when most vehicles comply with the new norms. 

IIT Delhi’s Study Highlights Hyper-local Pollution Reduction Initiatives 

A recent 2024 study by IIT Delhi offers hope by showcasing the effectiveness of local interventions. The study focused on three pollution hotspots—Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Karol Bagh—over an eight-month period using both portable sensors and regulatory monitoring stations. 

Key findings include: • Jahangirpuri: 26.6% reduction in PM2.5 levels. • Rohini: 15.7% reduction. • Karol Bagh: 15.3% reduction. 

The study attributes these improvements to garbage management, dust control, and infrastructure repairs in these areas. Experts recommend replicating such interventions across other cities as part of the National Clean Air Action Plan. 

Health Impact: Air Pollution-Linked Deaths Across India 

A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health reveals that 7.2% of all deaths in India’s 10 major cities are linked to PM2.5 exposure levels higher than the WHO’s guidelines. 

The report estimates that Delhi records around 12,000 annual deaths attributable to high pollution levels, accounting for 11.5% of the city’s total deaths. 

Other findings include: • Varanasi: 10.2% of all deaths (approximately 830 annually) attributed to pollution. 

• Overall: 33,627 annual deaths across 10 cities caused by PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO limits. 

The study emphasizes the need for a recalibration of the national air quality standards and a year-round focus on pollution control, rather than just addressing seasonal pollution spikes. 

The Road Ahead for Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis 

While the activation of GRAP-II is a crucial step in containing the immediate pollution crisis, experts warn that long-term solutions are essential. Reducing vehicular emissions, mitigating road dust, curbing construction dust, and managing stubble burning will require sustained efforts. 

As Delhi braces for the peak pollution season, public cooperation with GRAP measures will be key to preventing a further slide into “severe” and “severe plus” air quality levels. Meanwhile, hyperlocal initiatives and stricter emission standards offer a glimpse of hope, provided that authorities remain committed to comprehensive, data-driven action throughout the year.