- A revised action plan to fight the serious challenge of air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has come into force after a sudden dip in air quality in the capital and its neighbouring areas.
- As per experts, the “finer” version of GRAP could prevent the air quality crisis in Delhi-NCR after Diwali.
- The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality — Stage one for “poor” Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 201 and 300, Stage two for “very poor” AQI of 301-400, Stage three for “severe” AQI of 401-450 and Stage four for “severe plus” AQI more than 450.
- Along with instructions for authorities, the GRAP includes a graded advisory for the public. The measures include properly tuning engines of their vehicles, ensuring accurate air pressure in tyres and updating PUC (pollution under control) certificates.
Background
- A revised action plan to fight the serious challenge of air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has come into force after a sudden dip in air quality in the capital and its neighbouring areas. On October 6, the first stage of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented.
GRAP
- To deal with the multi-faceted risks linked to air pollution, the Central Pollution Control Board submitted a list of measures to address different levels of air pollution to the Supreme Court in January 2016.
- These measures coalesced into GRAP — a set of anti-air pollution measures which are to be followed in Delhi and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation.
- The GRAP was approved by the SC after modifications and notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on January 12, 2017.
- With multiple State and central bodies working on the problem, a need was felt to consolidate resources to efficiently tackle the problem of toxic air.
- The Centre thus set up the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.
- This powerful body, which coordinates with other States to plan and execute strategies to prevent and control air pollution in the NCR, has been enforcing GRAP since 2021.
Anti-Pollution Policies
- Under the revised action plan, restrictions on polluting activities will be dependent on Air Quality Index (AQI) rather than PM2.5 and PM10 concentration.
- As per experts, the “finer” version of GRAP could prevent the air quality crisis in Delhi-NCR after Diwali. “Stubble burning peaks in November and Diwali is on October 24.
- This is a crucial factor. So, it may not lead to a severe situation on Diwali provided all other measures are followed strictly
- The government has provided more machines for the management of stubble this year. We hope for better results
Action Plan Function
The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality —
- Stage one for “poor” AQI ranging between 201 and 300,
- Stage two for “very poor” AQI of 301-400,
- Stage three for “severe” AQI of 401-450 and
- Stage four for “severe plus” AQI more than 450.
- In stage one, a ban on construction and demolition activities at specific sites will be implemented.
- Also, agencies should ensure that all solid waste is lifted from dedicated dump sites, and none is dumped on open land.
- Heavy fines are to be imposed for openly burning municipal solid waste and biomass. Roads will be mechanically cleaned and water sprinkled from time to time.
- The ban on firecrackers should be followed as per the directions of respective courts.
- In stage two, mechanised sweeping of roads will be done daily, while water will be sprinkled using dust suppressants at least on alternate days.
- Authorities would need to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of generators.
- At stage three, the frequency of cleaning roads intensifies. Water would be sprinkled daily before peak traffic hours.
- Authorities will levy different rates on public transport services to encourage off-peak travel. A strict ban will be enforced on all construction activities, except ongoing construction of railway, metro, airport and hospital projects.
- The State government will be empowered to impose restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs).
- During stage four, when the air quality rises to dangerous levels, entry of all trucks, except those carrying essential commodities, will be restricted.
- Four-wheeler diesel LMVs would also be banned except those used for essential or emergency services.
- All construction and demolition activities would have to be stopped.
- The respective governments could, meanwhile, take a call on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength.
- Additional emergency measures like closing schools, non-emergency commercial activities and plying of vehicles on an odd-even basis may also be enforced.
SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB