SYLLABUS

GS-2: Important Aspects of Governance; Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.

GS-3: Environmental pollution and degradation.

Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit data and an action plan after reports of non-functional pollution monitoring stations during Diwali.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Direction

• The Supreme Court expressed concern that a large number of Delhi’s air-quality monitoring stations were non-functional during Diwali, as only 9 of 37 were operational. 

• The court observed that such lapses compromise the effective enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

• The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file a detailed affidavit containing verified data, an explanation for the non-functioning stations, and a concrete action plan for their immediate restoration, along with future preventive measures. 

• Recalling its earlier order, the Court reiterated that only NEERI-certified green firecrackers were permitted for sale and use in Delhi-NCR between October 18–20, and that too within restricted hours, to balance cultural traditions with environmental protection.

• The Bench stressed that authorities must shift from reactive to proactive action—using real-time monitoring to pre-empt pollution spikes and ensure timely enforcement of GRAP measures instead of waiting for “severe” air-quality levels. 

About the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• The CAQM was set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, following the promulgation of an ordinance in 2020.

• It replaced the 22-year-old Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) and is intended to serve as a permanent, overarching body for air-quality governance in the region.

• It has exclusive jurisdiction over air quality matters within the NCR and adjoining areas, and in case of conflict, its directions prevail over state pollution control boards or state governments in those matters.

• It oversees implementation of measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), monitors pollution sources, restricts polluting activities, and coordinates actions across states to address transboundary air pollution. 

• The Commission is a multi-member body, comprising a full-time Chairperson, several ex-officio and full-time members, NGO members, and technical members from agencies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and NITI Aayog.

About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

• GRAP was first notified in 2017 by the EPCA following Supreme Court directions in the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case. 

• Since 2021, its implementation and oversight have been taken over by the CAQM for the Delhi–NCR region.

• It is a predefined, emergency-response framework that prescribes graded measures to curb air pollution according to the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI). 

• It aims to ensure coordinated, time-bound action among multiple agencies across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

• GRAP actions are triggered progressively under four stages:

• Stage - I 'Poor' (Air Quality Index (AQl) 201 - 300) 
• Stage - ll ‘Very Poor’ (AQl 301- 400)
• Stage - lll 'Severe' (AOl 401 - 450) 
• Stage - IV ‘Severe +' (AQl >450) 

UPSC Mains Practice Question

The Supreme Court’s recent intervention on Delhi-NCR air pollution highlights gaps in enforcement rather than policy design. Discuss the challenges in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the role of institutional bodies like the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in ensuring accountability.

Source:
The Hindu
New IndianExpress
HealthWorld