GRAP has key role in controlling Delhi air pollution, says IITM and CAQM study

A joint study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revealed that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), implemented in Delhi-NCR during episodes of hazardous air pollution, has played a crucial role in improving air quality in the region.

The study -“Possible effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan restrictions in New Delhi, India”- highlights the scale of impact GRAP has on pollution control. It estimates that in the absence of GRAP, Delhi could witness around 60 per cent more hours of severe air quality and between 60 per cent and 200 per cent more hours of severe-plus pollution.

GRAP is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses critical thresholds and involves curbs on pollution-generating activities such as construction, industrial operations and vehicular movement. Often described as a “mini-lockdown,” the plan prioritises public health protection, even though it may temporarily inconvenience residents and businesses.

Researchers found that GRAP measures led to a reduction in PM2.5 concentrations ranging from 2 to 42 micrograms per cubic metre, depending on the stage of implementation. These reductions translated into significant public health benefits, with the potential to avert 177 to 297 short-term deaths and save between 8,615 and 14,456 years of life.

A recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) has  revealed that Delhi residents stand to lose 8.2 years of their life expectancy due to persistently high concentrations of PM2.5 in the city’s air.

While the restrictions may disrupt routine activities, the study reinforces that timely implementation and public compliance with GRAP measures are essential to reducing health risks and safeguarding lives during periods of toxic air.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has invited proposals from innovators, start-ups, technology developers, R&D institutions, universities, and registered organizations across India. The department is offering cash prizes of up to Rs 50 lakh for practical and scalable solutions that can significantly reduce pollution levels in the capital.

The Nomura Research has also concluded in its research that construction of waste-to-energy or CBG plants has the potential to reduce Delhi’s winter pollution by approximately 30 per cent.