The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework for combating air pollution in India. It was first introduced in 2016 and has been revised several times since then. The latest revision, Stage 2 of GRAP, was released in 2023.
Stage 2 of GRAP is a significant improvement over the previous version of the plan. It is more comprehensive, more flexible, and more adaptable to changing air quality conditions.
The plan is based on a four-stage graded response system:
- Stage I: This stage is triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 201-300. The response measures at this stage include restricting construction activities, banning the use of generators, and increasing the frequency of public transport.
- Stage II: This stage is triggered when the AQI reaches 301-400. The response measures at this stage include closing schools and colleges, odd-even for vehicles, and a ban on open burning.
- Stage III: This stage is triggered when the AQI reaches 401-500. The response measures at this stage include a complete lockdown of non-essential activities and a ban on all vehicles except emergency vehicles.
- Stage IV: This stage is triggered when the AQI exceeds 500. The response measures at this stage include a complete lockdown of all activities except essential services.
The Stage 2 GRAP plan also includes a number of new measures, such as:
- A requirement for all industries to install air pollution control devices.
- A ban on the sale of polluting fuels, such as petcoke and coal.
- A requirement for all construction sites to cover their debris.
- A requirement for all vehicles to meet stricter emission standards.
The Stage 2 GRAP plan is a significant step forward in India’s fight against air pollution. The plan is comprehensive, flexible, and adaptable to changing air quality conditions. It is also supported by a number of new measures, such as the requirement for industries to install air pollution control devices and the ban on the sale of polluting fuels.
Significance of Stage 2 of GRAP Guidelines
Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines is significant for a number of reasons. First, the guidelines are based on a four-stage graded response system, which allows for a more targeted and effective response to air pollution. Second, the guidelines include a number of new measures, such as the requirement for industries to install air pollution control devices and the ban on the sale of polluting fuels. Third, the guidelines are supported by a number of stakeholders, including the government, industry, and civil society organizations.
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the challenges associated with Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines is the cost of implementation. The guidelines require industries to install air pollution control devices and vehicles to meet stricter emission standards. These measures can be expensive, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness of the guidelines. Many industries and vehicle owners are not aware of the guidelines or the requirements that they impose.
Despite the challenges, there are also a number of opportunities associated with Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines. One opportunity is to create a new market for air pollution control technologies and services. As more and more industries are required to install air pollution control devices, there will be a growing demand for these technologies and services.
Another opportunity is to create new jobs in the field of air pollution control. As industries and vehicle owners implement the requirements of the guidelines, they will need to hire qualified professionals to help them do so.
Conclusion
Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines is a significant step forward in India’s fight against air pollution. The guidelines are comprehensive, flexible, and adaptable to changing air quality conditions. They are also supported by a number of new measures and stakeholders.
The implementation of Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines will present a number of challenges and opportunities. The cost of implementation and the lack of awareness of the guidelines are two of the challenges. However, there are also a number of opportunities, such as the creation of a new market for air pollution control technologies and services and the creation of new jobs in the field of air pollution control.
The implementation of Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines is essential for ensuring that India’s air quality improves. The guidelines provide a roadmap for industries, vehicle owners, and other stakeholders to follow.
Recent Developments
According to a recent article in the Indian Express, the Indian government is considering making Stage 2 of the GRAP guidelines mandatory