19 Dec 2025

What is GRAP IV?: Meaning and Reasons of Implementation

What is GRAP IV - Meaning & Reasons of Implementation (1)

India’s capital, Delhi, has long been plagued by severe air pollution, particularly in the winter months. To address this growing environmental crisis, the Delhi government, along with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has introduced a series of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Among these measures, the implementation of GRAP IV is the most recent and stringent. This policy comes in response to Delhi’s worsening air quality, a problem compounded by vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal factors like crop burning in neighboring states. While GRAP IV’s stringent measures are crucial to improving the city’s air quality, the impact on sectors like real estate, particularly in Gurgaon and Delhi, cannot be ignored.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what GRAP is, why GRAP IV has been implemented, and how this will influence the real estate sector in Delhi and Gurgaon. Additionally, we’ll highlight how developers are turning to eco-friendly solutions to align with the new regulatory environment.

What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive air quality management strategy, implemented by the Delhi government in collaboration with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), to combat air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Introduced in 2017, GRAP is designed to take proportionate actions based on the levels of air pollution. This allows authorities to implement targeted measures based on the severity of the pollution, helping to mitigate its harmful effects.

GRAP is divided into different stages, ranging from Stage I (moderate) to Stage IV (severe). Each stage corresponds to specific measures that are activated to curb air pollution. For instance, in the case of severe pollution, GRAP may call for restrictions on construction activities, the closure of coal-powered plants, and even the imposition of curbs on vehicular emissions.

GRAP IV: The Latest and Most Stringent Phase

Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan is activated when the air quality deteriorates to the “severe” level, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 400 or above. During this phase, a range of stringent actions are enforced. These include:

Banning of Construction Activities: The government restricts any construction and demolition work, which contributes to air pollution due to dust and emissions from machinery.
Closure of Industries: Industries that use coal or biomass as fuel are shut down during this phase to prevent the release of harmful pollutants.
Restrictions on Vehicles: Vehicles that do not comply with the BS-VI (Bharat Stage VI) emission standards are banned from certain parts of the city, reducing vehicular emissions.
Reducing the Number of Vehicles: Measures like carpooling and alternate-day driving are encouraged, and heavy-duty trucks are restricted from entering Delhi.

These actions are implemented in response to the realization that severe air pollution levels can lead to a host of health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart problems, and premature deaths.

Why Has the Delhi Government Implemented GRAP IV?

Delhi, along with its neighboring regions like Gurgaon, has been facing a persistent and escalating air pollution problem, especially during the winter months. The primary causes of pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, dust from construction sites, and seasonal agricultural burning in nearby states such as Punjab and Haryana. In the winter, low temperatures and fog trap pollutants, creating a “toxic” blanket over the region.

According to a 2022 report by The Lancet, air pollution was responsible for 1.2 million premature deaths in India in 2019 alone. The report also indicated that India has one of the highest levels of air pollution globally, and Delhi is one of the most polluted cities. With this grave situation, there was an urgent need for a more stringent, phased response to tackle the pollution levels. This led to the introduction of GRAP, and eventually, the imposition of GRAP IV.

The key reasons for implementing GRAP IV are:

Health Impact: The high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air pose serious risks to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. By activating GRAP IV, the government hopes to protect public health.
Environmental Sustainability: The severe pollution also affects the environment, contributing to climate change, poor soil quality, and decreased biodiversity. Reducing emissions and industrial pollution can help in improving long-term sustainability.
International Pressure: As India aims to meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, improving air quality and reducing pollution levels is critical for the country’s international standing.
Public Awareness: The implementation of GRAP IV serves as a signal to the public, industry, and developers that air quality is a pressing issue that requires collective action.

Impact of GRAP IV on Real Estate in Delhi and Gurgaon

The real estate sector in Delhi and Gurgaon stands at a crossroads. While the implementation of GRAP IV may create short-term challenges for the industry, it has also paved the way for long-term positive transformation, particularly with an increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly development.

1. Restriction on Construction Activities

One immediate impact of GRAP IV is the restriction on construction activities during severe pollution periods. Construction sites, especially those that do not take preventive measures like dust suppression techniques, are known to be significant contributors to airborne particulate matter. During Stage IV of GRAP, construction activities are either paused or subject to strict regulations. This may temporarily affect ongoing projects and construction timelines.

However, this is a catalyst for change. Many developers are now investing in technology and construction practices that minimize environmental damage, including dust control systems and electric-powered machinery. This shift towards eco-friendly construction practices is a step in the right direction for sustainable urban growth.

2. Increased Demand for Green Buildings and Eco-Friendly Developments

As a direct consequence of the government’s focus on air quality, developers are under increasing pressure to deliver projects that not only comply with environmental regulations but also contribute to the well-being of their residents. We’re witnessing an uptick in the demand for green buildings in both Delhi and Gurgaon.

Green buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, reduce water usage, and use sustainable materials. They also include features like improved ventilation systems to ensure better indoor air quality, which is crucial during times of severe outdoor pollution. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification has become a sought-after standard for many new developments, as it reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Gurgaon, known for its modern infrastructure, has seen a rise in developers focusing on eco-friendly projects. Prominent developers such as DLF, Vatika Group, and Emaar India are increasingly incorporating green spaces within their developments, which not only enhance the aesthetic value but also contribute to improving air quality and lowering the urban heat island effect. These developments are equipped with energy-efficient systems, water recycling mechanisms, and large green spaces, which align perfectly with GRAP IV’s objective of reducing environmental pollution.

3. Emerging Demand for Low-Emission Vehicles and Smart Cities

With the introduction of stricter vehicle regulations under GRAP IV, demand is likely to rise for developments with better infrastructure to support electric vehicles (EVs). Developers are increasingly including charging stations for electric cars in residential and commercial projects, encouraging the use of low-emission transportation.

Gurgaon, with its burgeoning real estate market, is already seeing more commercial and residential complexes that prioritize smart technology, including EV charging stations, green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances. These features, which were once considered an added bonus, are now seen as essential by environmentally conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The introduction of GRAP IV by the Delhi government is an essential step toward addressing the severe air pollution problem that has plagued the region for decades. While it may pose temporary challenges for the real estate sector, it also opens up opportunities for sustainable development. The growing emphasis on eco-friendly projects, the incorporation of green spaces, and the increasing adoption of smart, energy-efficient technologies point to a brighter, cleaner future for both Delhi and Gurgaon.

Developers in the region are quickly adapting to the new environmental reality, understanding that today’s market demands sustainability, and aligning their offerings with eco-friendly designs. This not only helps in creating healthier living spaces but also ensures the long-term viability of urban growth. For the real estate industry, the shift towards more eco-friendly developments is no longer optional but a necessary response to evolving regulations and consumer preferences.

In the end, while GRAP IV may impose temporary disruptions, it serves as a wake-up call for developers, consumers, and policymakers to focus on sustainable practices that will benefit both the environment and the quality of life for residents of Delhi and Gurgaon.

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