The Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) has ordered Delhi and its neighbouring states to activate air pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This initiative comes into effect from 15th October 2020, specifically targeting areas that suffer from very poor and severe category air quality.
Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan
Instituted in 2016 and officially recognized in 2017, the Graded Response Action Plan was designed specifically for Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). It’s the outcome of multiple meetings held by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) with representatives of state governments and experts in the field.
Central to GRAP is institutionalized action during periods of deteriorating air quality to prevent the Air Quality Index (AQI) from moving beyond the ‘moderate’ category. The plan stipulates that several government agencies must take measures to keep PM10 and PM2.5 levels in check.
In case of a severe+ situation, GRAP advocates for shutting down schools and implementing road-space rationing schemes like the odd-even system. The execution of this plan requires coordination between 13 different agencies across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan (NCR areas).
Contributing Factors to Delhi’s Winter Pollution
Delhi’s winter pollution problem stems from various factors, aside from overpopulation, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities. These factors greatly contribute to the severity of the pollution:
• Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab and Haryana follow a traditional practice of burning off rice chaff to prepare fields for winter sowing.
• Shifting of Jet Stream: A subtropical jet stream moving southwards causes a westward wind flow in northern India, leading to the spread of pollutants.
• Stagnant Lower-Level Winds: With the arrival of winter, dust particles and pollutants in the air remain static due to stagnant lower level winds. This causes pollutants to be trapped in the air and manipulates weather conditions, resulting in smog.
Role of the Environment Pollution Control Authority
The Environment Pollution Control Authority, established under the Environment Protection Act of 1986, is a Supreme Court appointed body. Their primary duty is to implement various measures aimed at combating air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Looking Towards the Future
With the economy already under strain post-lockdown, there is a collective effort underway to prevent further disruptions. Given how pollution can exacerbate the dangers posed by Covid-19, it is imperative that there is zero tolerance for air pollution during this period due to the “huge human health cost” of such a situation.