NewKerala.com

Delhi's Toxic Air: Why GRAP-IV Is a 'Reactive Measure,' Not a Solution

Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari has sharply criticised the current approach to Delhi's air crisis. She argues that invoking GRAP-IV is just a reactive step taken after pollution numbers become terrible. The real issue, she says, stems from years of policy decisions, not an overnight situation. Her comments come as dense smog blankets the capital with AQI levels soaring past 450.

Key Points: Bhavreen Kandhari Criticises GRAP-IV as Reactive Delhi Air Measure

  • Environmentalist criticises GRAP-IV as a temporary, reactive policy not solving root causes
  • Delhi's AQI approached 450, triggering the 'Severe Plus' Stage-IV restrictions
  • CAQM cites slow winds and stable atmosphere for the severe pollution spike
  • Several areas like Bawana recorded AQIs near 500 despite GRAP measures in effect
3 min read

GRAP-IV a 'reactive measure', not a solution, says environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari on Delhi's AQI

Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari calls GRAP-IV a reactive band-aid, not a long-term fix, as Delhi's AQI hits 'Severe Plus' levels above 450.

"GRAP, as we know, is a reactive measure... This is not the solution... - Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari"

Chennai, December 14

Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari on Sunday criticised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), calling it a "reactive measure" rather than a long-term solution, following the imposition of Stage-IV restrictions in the national capital amid worsening air pollution.

"GRAP, as we know, is a reactive measure. After seeing terrible numbers, GRAP-IV is invoked. What has been done over the years, the decisions taken by the policymakers, is the result we are seeing; it is not an overnight situation... After a few days, when the AQI numbers drop, GRAP will be revoked. This is not the solution...," Kandhari told ANI.

On Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) approached the 'Severe Plus' mark of 450.

According to the order released by CAQM, the AQI of Delhi, which was recorded as 431 today at 4 PM, exhibited an increasing trend and has been recorded as 446 at 6 PM on the date owing to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather parameters and meteorological conditions and lack of dispersal of pollutants.

"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELH 1AQl > 450 ), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of extant GRAP already in force in NCR," the order stated.

Further, the NCR Pollution Control Boards/Committee and other concerned agencies have been asked to intensify preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the order stated.

This morning, the national capital woke up to dense smog as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 461 at 7 am, falling in the 'severe' category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A thick haze was reported in areas including Ghazipur, the ITO area, and Anand Vihar, where visibility remained severely low. According to the CPCB, several localities across the city continued to register "severe" air quality.

Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 497 at 7 am, placing it in the 'severe' category. Narela is recording an AQI of 492, and Okhla Phase 2 is recording an AQI of 474. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded the lowest AQI of 411, according to the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Living in Gurgaon, I can barely see the building next door. The schools are open, people are commuting... what good is GRAP-IV if life goes on as usual? The enforcement seems very weak. We need proactive measures, not just restrictions when it's already too late.
R
Rohit P
True that it's reactive, but at least it's some action. Completely stopping construction and banning certain vehicles does bring *some* relief, even if temporary. The real issue is coordination with neighbouring states on crop burning. That's the elephant in the room.
P
Priya S
My child's asthma has worsened so much this week. We've invested in air purifiers for every room, but what about those who can't afford them? Long-term public health planning is missing. Kudos to Bhavreen Kandhari for speaking up. We need more voices like hers.
M
Michael C
While I agree with the sentiment, we must also acknowledge that GRAP is a structured plan. The problem is multi-faceted—geography, weather, multiple pollution sources. A complete solution will take years of sustained effort from all stakeholders, not just Delhi.
K
Kavya N
It's easy to criticise. But what is the concrete, actionable alternative being proposed? We need solutions that also consider livelihoods. Suddenly stopping all construction and transport hurts daily wage workers the most. Any plan must be holistic.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50