New Delhi: An emergency meeting of the Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was held on Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed on Wednesday.
The meeting was held in view of Delhi’s AQI forecast for October 22, reaching the projected levels of Stage II of GRAP, based on the dynamic model and weather, the meteorological forecast provided by IMD/IITM, the Ministry said.
As per the forecast provided by Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi’s AQI is projected to cross 301 on October 22.The Sub-committee comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that the air quality parameters are likely to dip on October 22 in the region making it move into the “Very Poor” category.In an effort to ameliorate the AQI of Delhi-NCR, the sub-committee has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400), three days in advance to the projected levels i.e. today with immediate effect in the entire NCR by all the agencies concerned, the Ministry said.
This is in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage I of GRAP. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage II under GRAP during this period, the release further said. Further, the Sub-Committee also appealed to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage II of GRAP. Citizens are advised to Use public transport and minimize the use of personal vehicles.
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Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles. Avoid dust-generating construction activities. Apart from that, a 12-point action plan as per Stage 2 of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR. A 12-point action plan includes steps to be implemented and ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC.As per the release, the steps are mechanical/vacuum-based sweeping of roads are 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 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 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: Medical Services (Hospitals/ Nursing Homes / Health care facilities) including units involved in manufacturing of life-saving medical equipment/devices, drugs and medicines. Elevators / Escalators / travelators etc. in various installations. Railway Services / Railway stations.Metro Rail Services, including stations. Airports and Inter-State Bus Terminals. Sewage Treatment Plants. Water Pumping Stations. National Security / Defence-related activities. Projects of national importance. Telecommunication / Data Services, the Ministry said in the release.
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In respect of the industrial sector, due to operational and technical exigencies and to cater to situations of irregular power supply, regulated use of DG Sets shall be permitted in accordance with Directions dated February 8, issued by the Commission. There shall, however, be no restrictions on the operation of CNG / PNG / LPG-fired Generator Sets for any sector.
Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections/ traffic congestion points for 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 fleet and increasing the frequency of service, the Ministry further said.
Resident Welfare Associations to provide electric heaters during winter to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass and MSW burning.The citizens using DG Sets and DISCOMS are once again advised to comply with the directions of the Commission and adhere to the steps mentioned in Stage II in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage I of GRAP, the release stated.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
