 |
|
The air quality in Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) has once again reached alarming levels, prompting the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision was made after a comprehensive review revealed that the region was not experiencing the anticipated respite from dust storms that had swept across the area earlier in the week. The persistent winds carrying sand and dust from distant regions triggered a significant, albeit short-lived, pollution episode, necessitating immediate action to mitigate the detrimental effects on public health and the environment. The implementation of GRAP-I signifies a coordinated effort by various governmental agencies to address the multifaceted sources of pollution that contribute to the overall degradation of air quality in the Delhi-NCR region. These measures encompass a range of restrictions and regulations targeting vehicle emissions, construction site dust, industrial activities, and open waste burning, all of which are major contributors to the elevated levels of particulate matter and other harmful pollutants in the air. The authorities have issued stringent orders to enforce these pollution regulations strictly, emphasizing increased dust control measures at construction sites and enhanced supervision to ensure compliance. Delhi residents have been advised to minimize outdoor activities and utilize public transportation as much as possible to reduce their exposure to the polluted air and contribute to the overall reduction of vehicular emissions. The severity of the situation is underscored by the sharp decline in air quality index (AQI) readings in recent days. On May 16, Delhi clocked an AQI of 278, which falls into the 'poor' category. Forecasts from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggest that air quality in Delhi and NCR is expected to remain in the lower end of the 'poor' range, further emphasizing the need for sustained and effective pollution control measures. The GRAP Stage-I measures specifically target major sources of pollution, including vehicle emissions, dust from construction sites, and industrial activities. Under this stage, dust control measures are now mandatory at all construction and demolition sites, with construction projects larger than 500 square meters required to implement specific steps to manage dust. A complete ban has been imposed on burning garbage, leaves, and other waste in the open, and the use of coal or firewood is prohibited in food stalls and hotel kitchens. Restaurants and eateries are restricted to using electricity, gas, or clean fuel for their operations. Furthermore, a complete ban has been placed on the use of diesel generators, except for emergency or essential purposes. Visibly polluting vehicles will face heavy fines or impoundment, and traffic management and police deployment at critical intersections will be intensified, with engine shutdown at red lights being made mandatory. To address the issue of vehicular emissions, a ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years will be strongly enforced in Delhi. Residents are advised to switch off car or vehicle engines at traffic lights and to avoid idling, and the use of hybrid or electric vehicles is recommended to reduce vehicular emissions. In addition to these measures, a ban on firecrackers, including manufacturing, sales, and storage, will remain in effect until January 1, 2026. Action will also be taken against polluting industries and thermal power plants within 300 kilometers of the capital to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. To facilitate reporting of pollution violations, residents can utilize the Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, or call 311. The implementation of GRAP-I highlights the government's commitment to tackling the persistent problem of air pollution in Delhi and NCR. However, the long-term success of these measures hinges on the effective enforcement of regulations, public awareness, and the adoption of sustainable practices by individuals and businesses alike. A multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of pollution and promotes cleaner alternatives is essential to ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents of the region.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of measures that are implemented in stages based on the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The plan is designed to tackle air pollution in a systematic and phased manner, with increasingly stringent measures being implemented as the AQI worsens. The primary objective of GRAP is to protect public health by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants in the air. The plan was first notified in 2017 and has been revised periodically to incorporate new scientific findings and technological advancements. The implementation of GRAP is overseen by the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is responsible for monitoring air quality, assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures, and recommending further actions as needed. The GRAP framework consists of four stages, each corresponding to a different AQI level. Stage I is triggered when the AQI reaches the 'poor' category (201-300), Stage II is activated when the AQI enters the 'very poor' category (301-400), Stage III is implemented when the AQI reaches the 'severe' category (401-450), and Stage IV is invoked when the AQI exceeds 450, indicating 'severe plus' or 'emergency' conditions. Each stage of GRAP includes a specific set of actions that are to be implemented by various government agencies and departments. These actions are designed to target the major sources of pollution and reduce emissions from vehicles, industries, construction sites, and other sources. In addition to the specific measures outlined in each stage, GRAP also includes provisions for public awareness campaigns, health advisories, and emergency response measures. The plan recognizes the importance of educating the public about the risks of air pollution and providing guidance on how to protect themselves from its harmful effects. The success of GRAP depends on the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, industries, businesses, and the general public. Effective enforcement of regulations, public cooperation, and the adoption of sustainable practices are essential to achieving the goals of the plan. The implementation of GRAP has been credited with helping to reduce air pollution levels in Delhi and NCR in recent years. However, challenges remain, and continued efforts are needed to address the long-term problem of air pollution in the region. Some of the key challenges include the lack of adequate infrastructure, the need for greater public awareness, and the difficulty of enforcing regulations in a complex and rapidly changing environment. To overcome these challenges, the government is investing in new technologies, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and working with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices. The ultimate goal is to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents of Delhi and NCR.
The current implementation of GRAP Stage-I highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to combat air pollution in Delhi and NCR. While the restrictions imposed under this stage are essential to address the immediate crisis, it is equally important to focus on long-term solutions that address the root causes of pollution and promote sustainable development. One of the key areas of focus should be on improving public transportation infrastructure and promoting the use of electric vehicles. Investing in a modern and efficient public transportation system can encourage people to switch from private vehicles to public transport, thereby reducing vehicular emissions. Incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles through subsidies, tax breaks, and the development of charging infrastructure can also contribute to a significant reduction in air pollution. Another important area of focus is the promotion of cleaner industrial technologies and practices. Industries should be encouraged to adopt cleaner production processes, invest in pollution control equipment, and switch to cleaner fuels. The government can provide financial assistance and technical support to help industries make these transitions. In addition, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations is crucial to ensure that industries comply with pollution control standards. Addressing the issue of construction site dust is also essential. Construction companies should be required to implement dust control measures, such as covering construction materials, using water sprays to suppress dust, and properly disposing of construction waste. The government should also conduct regular inspections of construction sites to ensure compliance with dust control regulations. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public about the risks of air pollution and to encourage them to adopt sustainable practices. These campaigns should focus on promoting the use of public transportation, switching off engines at traffic lights, avoiding idling, and properly disposing of waste. The government should also work with schools and community organizations to educate children about the importance of air quality and how they can contribute to reducing pollution. Finally, regional cooperation is essential to address the transboundary nature of air pollution. Delhi and NCR are affected by pollution from neighboring states, and a coordinated regional approach is needed to address the issue effectively. The government should work with neighboring states to develop and implement joint action plans to reduce air pollution across the region. By implementing a comprehensive and sustained approach that addresses the root causes of pollution and promotes sustainable development, Delhi and NCR can achieve cleaner air and a healthier environment for all its residents. The challenge is significant, but with strong political will, effective policies, and public participation, it is possible to create a more sustainable and livable future for the region.
Source: Delhi pollution: How AQI worsened across NCR; GRAP-1 explained — What is allowed, what is banned