Stricter pollution control measures are expected to take effect as air quality worsens in Delhi and neighboring regions with winter’s onset. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised rules under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent further air quality deterioration.
Revised GRAP Framework
The new rules bring restrictions from the GRAP-IV stage under GRAP-III, currently enforced in the national capital. This revision represents a significant shift in pollution management strategy, introducing more stringent measures at earlier air quality threshold levels.
Work-from-Home Provisions
Delhi and other NCR state governments must decide on allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50% capacity, with remaining staff working from home, the CAQM stated. The central government may also decide on permitting work-from-home arrangements for central government office employees.
Winter Pollution Patterns
The timing of these revisions coincides with winter’s arrival, traditionally Delhi’s most challenging period for air quality. Seasonal factors including temperature inversions, crop stubble burning in neighboring states, firecracker emissions, and vehicular pollution combine to create hazardous air quality levels during colder months.
GRAP Implementation History
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) operates on a four-stage framework, with progressively stringent measures implemented as air quality declines. GRAP-I applies to “poor” air quality (AQI 201-300), GRAP-II to “very poor” (AQI 301-400), GRAP-III to “severe” (AQI 401-450), and GRAP-IV to “severe plus” conditions (AQI above 450).
Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination
The revised rules require coordination across multiple government levels—state governments in the National Capital Region, the central government, and various municipal bodies. This multi-layered approach reflects the regional nature of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, which transcends administrative boundaries.
Impact on Economic Activity
The 50% office capacity restriction could significantly impact economic activity across Delhi-NCR, affecting millions of employees in public and private sectors. However, authorities argue such measures are necessary to reduce vehicular emissions and minimize outdoor exposure during severe pollution episodes.
Anticipatory Action
The CAQM’s preemptive revision of GRAP rules demonstrates a shift toward anticipatory rather than reactive pollution management, aiming to prevent air quality from reaching crisis levels rather than responding after deterioration occurs.
Implementation details and specific timelines for these revised measures await formal announcements from respective government authorities.
