The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas recently invoked a comprehensive eight-point action plan, in line with Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The primary objective of this strategy is to halt further deterioration in the region’s air quality.
Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2017, GRAP comprises emergency measures tailored to curb the decline in air quality upon hitting certain thresholds in the Delhi-NCR region. The plan, executed by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM), operates under four stages. It’s worth noting that GRAP’s implementation is incremental; meaning when the air quality downgrades from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor,’ measures stated under both categories have to be enforced.
The Eight Point Action Plan as per Stage-IV of GRAP
Key elements of the plan include prohibiting entry of non-essential truck traffic into Delhi, limiting access for non-Delhi-registered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) unless they are environment-friendly, banning operation of Delhi-registered diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) excluding those shipping essential goods, and placing a ban on construction and demolition activities in public projects including highways, roads, and flyovers.
The plan also advises transitioning physical classes for certain grades to online mode, considering a 50% capacity limit in public and private offices, and implementing work-from-home protocols for employees in Central Government offices. Additionally, state governments are urged to consider additional emergency measures like the closure of educational institutions, non-essential commercial activities, and the implementation of an odd-even vehicle registration number scheme.
Main Causes and Sources of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Region
Air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region stems from multiple sources. Notable ones include stubble burning, vehicle and industrial emissions, construction activities, waste burning and landfills, and geographical and meteorological factors. For instance, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), stubble burning contributed 25% to Delhi’s pollution in 2021.
Indian Government Initiatives Related to Air Pollution
To address the rising concern of air pollution, the Indian government has launched several initiatives. These comprise the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal, Air Quality Index for Reducing Vehicular Pollution, push for Electric Vehicles (EVs), introduction of the Odd-Even Policy as an emergency measure, subsidy to farmers for purchasing Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machines to reduce stubble burning, and the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
Steps Towards Improving Air Quality
Tackling air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Stricter enforcement of emission norms for industries, vehicles, and construction activities is critical. Enhancing public transportation usage can also help reduce vehicular emissions. Stringent regulations and effective enforcement in waste management can minimize open waste burning and landfill emissions. Furthermore, dealing with crop burning by offering farmers sustainable and affordable alternatives for residue management can also substantially decrease the need for burning.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024