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HomeLatestDelhi NCR grapples with Grap confusion and livelihood loss

Delhi NCR grapples with Grap confusion and livelihood loss

Delhi NCR grapples with Grap confusion and livelihood loss

Delhi NCR is enduring a winter not just of severe pollution but of systemic chaos. The Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), designed to counter worsening air quality, has brought confusion and hardship to the region’s residents. Its unpredictable imposition and withdrawal, often without notice, have left many reeling under hefty fines and disrupted livelihoods. This winter alone, Grap’s fluctuating levels—ranging from Stage 2 to Stage 4—have thrown daily lives into disarray, intensifying the struggles of those already battling the effects of toxic air.

The impact on individuals is stark. Residents like Animesh Pandey, unaware of sudden Grap Stage 3 rules, have faced hefty penalties, such as a ₹20,000 challan. Meanwhile, those reliant on diesel and petrol vehicles that previously complied with legal standards are finding themselves penalised under new restrictions. Between December 16, 2024, and January 19, 2025, there were nine Grap Stage 3 days and nine Grap Stage 4 days, causing immense disruption. The absence of proper communication mechanisms has forced residents to constantly monitor air quality updates, often altering plans or facing fines. Even the labour force, reliant on construction work, has borne the brunt, with arbitrary work stoppages severely impacting migrant workers’ earnings.

Despite its aim to curb pollution, Grap has sparked debates about its effectiveness and fairness. Critics highlight the lack of transparency and targeted enforcement, which appears to disproportionately affect ordinary citizens rather than systemic polluters. For example, trucks and tractors, often seen violating restrictions, hint at potential lapses in enforcement integrity. Questions linger about whether the fines and restrictions serve to address pollution or merely create a façade of action. Residents are calling for measures that tackle root causes, such as dust pollution and stubble burning, which remain unaddressed despite clear judicial directives.

From a sustainability perspective, Delhi NCR’s approach to air quality management raises significant concerns. While measures like vehicle restrictions and construction bans aim to reduce emissions, their arbitrary implementation undermines long-term impact. Cities such as Beijing have successfully cleaned their air by integrating sustainable practices, including strict industrial emission norms and advanced air purification systems. In contrast, Delhi has yet to adopt a cohesive plan that addresses urban dust management or invests in green infrastructure. Grap’s current format, critics argue, fails to balance immediate action with sustainable, systemic reforms.

The chaotic enforcement of Grap restrictions highlights a broader civic issue in urban governance. Without timely communication or public engagement, policies meant to serve public health risk alienating the very citizens they aim to protect. The heavy penalties, unclear guidelines, and lack of coordination exacerbate the urban chaos, leading to mistrust and resentment among the populace. For a region already grappling with deteriorating air quality, such governance failures serve as a stark reminder that effective urban management must prioritise clarity, inclusivity, and sustainability.

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