DELHI’S AIR POLLUTION

ChinmayaIAS Academy - Current Affairs October 10, 2022 GS3 Leave a comment 238 Views

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.