Graded Response Action Plan
Source: PIB
GS II: Environment
Overview
- News in Brief
- What is a Graded Response Action Plan?
Why in the News?
Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR.
News in Brief
- Region as well as the weather/ meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts made available by IMD/ IITM
- The air quality parameters are likely to dip and reach the projected levels of Stage II of GRAP on 23.10.2023 and 24.10.2023, as per the dynamic model and weather/ meteorological forecast provided by IMD / IITM.
- To prevent further deterioration, the Sub-Committee for operationalization of GRAP has taken the call to invoke an 11-point action plan.
- The plan is as per Stage II of the revised GRAP in the entire NCR.
- All actions be implemented in earnest by all the agencies concerned with immediate effect in the entire NCR.
- It is in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force.
What is a Graded Response Action Plan
- The GRAP is being implemented in four stages after the AQI touches 201.
- GRAP functions as an emergency response mechanism, triggered by the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
- It brings together various stakeholders, implementing agencies, and authorities to tackle worsening air quality situations in Delhi-NCR.
- The Graded Response Action Plan is divided into four stages
Different Stages
- Stage I – ‘Poor’ Air Quality
- DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300
- Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality
- DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400
- Stage III – ‘Severe’ Air Quality
- DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450
- Stage IV – ‘Severe +’ Air Quality
- DELHI AQI > 450
Stage I of GRAP 11 Point Action Plan
- Carry out mechanical/ vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis.
- Ensure water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day, during non-peak hours) on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
- Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D sites.
- Ensure focussed and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots in NCR. Intensify remedial measures for the predominant sector(s) contributing to adverse air quality in each of such hotspots.
- Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage use of alternate power Generating sets/ equipment (DG sets etc.).
- Strictly implement the schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential offices etc. in accordance with Direction No. 76 dated 29.09.2023.
- Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections/traffic congestion points for a smooth flow of traffic.
- Alert in newspapers / TV/radio to advise people about air pollution levels and Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities.
- Enhance Parking fees to discourage private transport.
- Augment CNG/ electric bus and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service.
- Resident Welfare Associations to necessarily provide electric heaters to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass and MSW burning during winters.
Stage II of GRAP 12 Point Action Plan
- Mechanical/vacuum-based sweeping of roads to be carried out on a daily basis.
- Ensure water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day) on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas (before peak hours) and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
- Regular inspection and strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D sites.
- Do not allow coal/firewood including in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
- Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity/ clean fuel gas-based appliances. Enforce guidelines for the use of anti-smog guns at construction sites.
- Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of Generator sets.
- Stop the use of Diesel Generators (DG) except for the following emergent and essential services
- Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections/ traffic congestion points for a smooth flow of traffic.
- Alert in newspapers / TV/radio to advise people about air pollution levels and Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities.
- Enhance Parking fees to discourage private transport.
- Augment CNG/ electric bus and metro services by procuring additional fleets and increasing the frequency of service.
- Resident Welfare Associations to provide electric heaters during winter to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass and MSW burning.
Stage III of GRAP 9 Point Action Plan
- Intensified frequency of mechanised/ vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
- Daily water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of ways including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.
- Intensification of public transport services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
- Construction & Demolition (C&D) Activities restrictoin
- Industrial operations restriction
- Close brick kilns, and hot mix plants which are not operating on fuels, as in the standard list of approved fuels for NCR.
- Close down operations of stone crushers.
- Ban / Close down mining and associated activities in the NCR.
- State Governments in NCR/ GNCTD may impose restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4-wheelers).
Citizen Charter under GRAP
- People to use public transport and minimize the use of personal vehicles.
- Use technology, and take less congested routes even if slightly longer.
- Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
- Avoid dust-generating construction activities during the months of October to January.
- Avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.
Daily Current Affairs: Click Here