THE CONTEXT: As part of the GRAP Stage IV measures, the Delhi government announced the suspension of physical classes for all students up to Class 12 and the shift to online mode. This decision affected nearly two million students in and around New Delhi. The move was implemented to protect children from exposure to hazardous levels of air pollution, with the AQI reaching 484 on November 20, 2024—the worst reading of the season.
THE GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)
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- GRAP was first notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change based on a plan submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board in November 2016.
- Initially implemented by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, GRAP has been overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) since 2021.
- The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in overseeing GRAP’s implementation, as evidenced in cases like Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018).
- Structure and Stages:
Stage I: ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300)
Stage II: ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400)
Stage III: ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450)
Stage IV: ‘Severe+’ (AQI > 450)
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- Key Measures:
o Restricting the entry of trucks into Delhi.
o Banning construction and demolition activities.
o Closing schools and encouraging online classes.
o Implementing odd-even vehicle schemes.
o Encouraging work from home for government and private offices.
IMPLEMENTATION OF GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP) IN DELHI:
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on November 18, 2024, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the ‘severe plus’ category. GRAP is a set of emergency measures that are activated to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches certain thresholds8. The plan consists of four stages, with Stage IV being the most stringent, triggered when the AQI exceeds 450.
SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE BEHIND SCHOOL CLOSURES:
The scientific basis for school closures during severe air pollution episodes is rooted in children’s heightened vulnerability to air pollution. Children are at greater risk due to several factors, such as their developing lungs, brains, and immune systems, higher breathing rates relative to body size, and more time spent outdoors.
THE ISSUES:
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- Digital divide: Many students, especially from lower-income families, lack access to reliable internet connections and devices for online learning. Online classes may be less effective than in-person learning, particularly for younger children and practical subjects.
- Learning Loss: The shift to online classes has led to significant educational setbacks, particularly for disadvantaged students. Nearly two million students in and around New Delhi have been affected by school closures.
- Nutritional Impact: School closures mean some children miss out on mid-day meals provided by schools, affecting their nutrition. The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the unavailability of mid-day meals due to school closures.
- Long-term Health Effects: A study in Delhi found that every third child has impaired lungs due to high levels of air pollutants. The Lancet medical journal attributed 1.67 million premature deaths in India to air pollution in 2019.
- Respiratory Issues: A 2021 study published in the medical journal Lung India found nearly one in three school-aged children in the capital were afflicted by asthma and airflow obstruction.
- Socioeconomic Disparities: The shift to online learning can exacerbate education access and quality inequalities. Poorer families often lack resources for air purifiers or other protective measures.
- Enforcement Gaps: Court-appointed commissioners reported significant gaps in enforcing restrictions on truck entry into Delhi, with some checkpoints unmanned and others inadequately monitored.
- Limited effectiveness: Many children may still be exposed to high levels of indoor air pollution at home, especially in areas without air purifiers.
THE WAY FORWARD:
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- Implement Targeted Air Quality Improvement Measures in Schools: Install high-efficiency air purifiers in all classrooms. Seal windows and doors properly to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering. Implement regular maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure optimal filtration. Create green barriers around school premises using pollution-absorbing plants like aloe vera and Snake Plants. The Delhi government’s initiative to install air purifiers in 50 schools in 2023 led to a 30% reduction in respiratory issues among those students.
- Develop a Nuanced Approach to Poor Air Quality: Establish clear AQI thresholds for different action levels based on scientific evidence. Limit outdoor activities for AQI levels between 201 and 300 (poor). Implement hybrid learning options for AQI levels between 301-400 (very poor). Only consider full online transition for AQI levels above 400 (severe) and limited durations.
- Enhance Nutritional Support and Mid-Day Meal Programs: Implement a home delivery system for mid-day meals during online learning periods—partner with NGOs and community organizations to ensure last-mile delivery. Provide nutritional supplements to compensate for potential deficiencies.
- Invest in Robust Digital Infrastructure for Effective Online Learning: Provide tablets or laptops to students from economically weaker sections. Collaborate with telecom companies to offer subsidized internet packages for students. Train teachers in effective online pedagogy and digital tools.
- Implement Comprehensive Health Monitoring and Support: Conduct regular health check-ups, focusing on respiratory health. Establish on-campus health clinics with pulmonologists for immediate care. Provide pollution masks (N95 or equivalent) to students, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Educate students and parents about air pollution’s health effects and preventive measures. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular spirometry tests for children in polluted areas to monitor lung function.
THE CONCLUSION:
School closures may offer some protection but are not a long-term solution to the air pollution crisis. They come with significant educational and social costs. Improve indoor air quality in schools and homes and develop strategies to ensure educational continuity during environmental crises.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q.1 Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss this in light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and the judgement (s) of the Apex Court. 2015
Q.2 What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? 2020
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in addressing air pollution in Delhi, with specific reference to its impact on school education.
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