Delhi’s winter air pollution persists, prompting GRAP measures to address the deteriorating air quality, writes Richa Tyagi.
The air quality crisis in India, particularly in the northern regions, has been a long-standing concern. Every winter, cities like Delhi and its surrounding areas are engulfed in a thick haze, severely compromising public health and quality of life. Given the severity of Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP is a comprehensive action plan designed to address air pollution in the region. Stage III entails a stringent set of measures to reduce the emission of air pollutants and mitigate the impact of air pollution on public health at large. The decision was taken on November 21, 2024, and rolled out with immediate effect for the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
Prior to stage III, stage IV had also been implemented on September 17, 2024, indicating the severity of the pollution crisis in Delhi, where the AQI has surged beyond the critical threshold of 450, categorising it as severe +. On November 20, 2024, Delhi recorded an AQI of 419. In response to this improvement, CAQM issued an order on November 20 to lift GRAP IV restrictions and reinstate GRAP III measures across Delhi NCR.
On the rise in pollution in Delhi-NCR, AAP Haryana Chief Sushil Gupta said, “It is true that the air in pollution faces a strange situation this time of the year every year. Centre and Supreme Court have spoken on this several times. But the states surrounding Delhi – where paddy is harvested and then stubble is burnt – will have to pay attention to this. Just like the Delhi Government came up with Pusa chemical, they too will have to come to provide resources so that instead of burning paddy, it acts as a fertiliser in the field. Supreme Court showed NASA images, called Chief Secretaries of these states and said that some concrete step be taken. So, in reality, the air quality of not just Delhi worsens, it happens in Haryana too, in UP, and in Rajasthan. So that states around Delhi will have to think about it.”
On November 14, 2024, Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai addressed the alarming rise in air pollution in the national capital, stating that the Air Quality Index (AQI) had crossed 400 for the first time this winter season. He attributed the sudden surge in pollution levels to two main factors identified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), snowfall in higher mountain regions which led to a drop in temperature and the formation of fog over Delhi and slow wind speeds, which hindered the dispersion of pollutants, exacerbating the pollution levels in the city.
On January 8, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for very dense fog, warning of reduced visibility and potential travel disruptions, similar to previous delays in flights and trains. Despite recent improvements in air quality due to better wind speeds, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) withdrew Stage-III restrictions under the GRAP for Delhi-NCR, while retaining Stage-I and Stage-II measures.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP, after reviewing data from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), noted that improved meteorological conditions had contributed to a gradual decline in AQI levels. However, air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating since late October, attributed to multiple factors such as firecrackers, stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and rising vehicular emissions.
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a Delhi-based research and advocacy group, highlighted the growing mobility crisis, congestion woes, and inadequate public transport as key contributors to the toxic pollution buildup. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court questioned the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government over the delay in implementing Stage-IV GRAP measures despite alarming pollution levels.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi cited a 27 per cent reduction in farm fires in AAP-ruled Punjab, with only 811 cases reported between October 01 and 15, compared to 1,105 cases in 2023. However, she pointed out an increase in such incidents in Haryana (417 cases from 341) and Uttar Pradesh (417 cases from 244) during the same period, as per Indian Agricultural Research Institute data.
While GRAP Stage III has been revoked, actions under Stage I and Stage II will persist and be subject to ongoing review, implementation, and monitoring by all concerned agencies in the entire NCR
A frustrated daily commuter, Lakshay Chaudhary, shared his experience while crossing the Delhi-Noida border, where he witnessed the police issuing challans for BS-IV engine vehicles. “All the pollution in Delhi is blamed on vehicles,” he said, adding, “You get a Rs. 20,000 fine just for owning a BS-IV engine car from 2020. Was the government asleep when these cars were being sold? We are still a developing country, and now they’re banning cars barely 10-15 years after purchase. Between the government and motor companies, it’s the common people who are suffering.”
The Delhi government’s Rs.2,388-crore mechanised road-sweeping project, designed to combat dust pollution, has encountered a new hurdle as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has proposed broadening its scope to encompass waste management and road maintenance. This comes at a critical juncture when the city is grappling with severe air pollution, prompting the Central Air Quality Panel to reimpose the strictest measures under Stage IV of the GRAP across Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region.
Role of Automotive Manufacturers and Suppliers
It is also true that automotive manufacturers and suppliers have crucial roles to play in improving air quality and reducing air pollution in NCR during the implementation of GRAP Stages.
Original Equipment Manufacturers have played their part by complying with the Bharat Stage VI – Phase 2 (RDE norms). They continue to invest in research and development to innovate and develop cleaner technologies. These innovations lead to the production of vehicles with improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, contributing to air quality improvement. The active promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles with government backing is also being pursued. The stakeholders are also looking at a circular economy that is developing an ecosystem which involves scrappage through dedicated centres.
An Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer said that the new telematics measures aim to enhance fleet operations and transportation efficiency. Monitoring idle time, controlling AC usage, curbing engine over-revving, and scoring drivers based on eco-friendly practices enhance safety, fuel efficiency, and pollution reduction.
He especially emphasised promoting EVs in STU buses and reducing private vehicles on roads to reduce pollution. An online infrastructure for EV charging, with route-based suggestions, will promote the widespread adoption of EVs for a green transportation ecosystem.
Suppliers are backing the OEMs too as they are critical to the finished goods being developed in compliance with the stipulated norms. Many are going beyond compliance to stay ahead of the curve. The role of suppliers of advanced emission control technologies, including catalytic converters, particulate filters, and exhaust gas recirculation systems is well underlined. These technologies are essential for reducing emissions from vehicles. They are ensuring rigorous testing and quality control measures to follow up or maximise the performance of these technologies in reducing emissions.
Collaborative and well-coordinated efforts to effectively implement GRAP measures are critical to meet the desired outcome. Now that GRAP Stage III & IV has been withdrawn, however, it signals the need for sustained collaborative efforts to tackle the root causes of air pollution in the capital. Addressing stubble burning, enhancing public awareness, and implementing long-term solutions are imperative. A holistic approach involving government bodies, industries, commuters, and environmental organisations is essential to achieve lasting improvements in air quality. Stakeholders must build on the momentum and work towards a cleaner and sustainable future for Delhi and the neighbouring regions.
