Air Pollution

CPCB Recommends Measures To Tackle Air Pollution In Delhi-NCR, Implementation Of Graded Response Action Plan

As per the official statement from CPCB, unfavourable meteorology may cause air quality to fluctuate between ‘severe and higher end of the very poor category’ in the coming days

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As per IMD's forecast, winds are expected to be northwesterly for the next five days which may possibly lead to a high contribution of stubble burning, said CPCB
Highlights
  • Intensify public transport services: Central Pollution Control Board
  • Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel: CPCB
  • CPCB called to ensure all Hot Mix Plants and Stone Crushers remain shut

New Delhi: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday (November 8) suggested measures to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR through the implementation of a Graded Response Action Plan for the city. As per the official notification of the pollution control board, a Sub-committee convened a meeting on Monday and reviewed air quality status as well as meteorological and air pollution forecasts for Delhi-NCR.

Also Read: In Times Of COVID-19, Health Experts Red Flag The Impact Of Worsening Air Pollution

As per IMD’s forecast, winds are expected to be northwesterly for the next five days which may possibly lead to a high contribution of stubble burning. In addition, unfavourable meteorology may cause air quality to fluctuate between ‘severe and higher end of the very poor category’ in the coming days, read the notification.

The CPCB has directed the concerned agencies to strictly enforce actions based on the decisions made by the sub-committee. Actions under ‘severe category’, in addition to steps listed under ‘very poor’ and ‘poor to moderate’ AQI categories should be implemented with immediate effect in Delhi-NCR, the board said. Increasing frequency of mechanized cleaning of road and sprinkling of water on roads, Identifying road stretches with high dust generation, ensuring that all brick kilns remain closed in Delhi-NCR as per the directions of National Green Tribunal were some of the measures mentioned in the order copy.

Also Read: Why Air Quality Has Deteriorated Sharply In India’s Capital

The official notification further asked the concerned officials to ensure that all Hot Mix Plants and Stone Crushers in Delhi-NCR remain closed. It further directed to maximize the generation of power from existing natural gas-based plants to reduce the operation of coal-based power plants in the NCR (Badarpur power plant already shut down).

Intensify public transport services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel. States to disseminate information about air pollution levels and for creating awareness among citizens regarding steps to minimize air pollution, read CPCB’s directions.

Also Read: Delhi Pollution Off The Charts After Diwali, Itchy Throat, Watery Eyes

Implementing agencies, at the appropriate level, must closely monitor actions taken and submit a daily report to concerned officials, the notification said. The air quality of Delhi improved from ‘Severe’ to ‘Very Poor’ category on Tuesday (November 9), with Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 372, informed the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). As per the Centre-run SAFAR, winds coming from the northwest direction at 925 millibars (mb) are favourable for the transport of stubble related pollutants to Delhi. However, its impact on Delhi’s PM 2.5 has been reduced as wind speed has reduced.

Also Read: COP26 Climate Change Summit: Is India On Track To Achieve Its Climate Targets?

(Except for the headline, 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 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 populationindigenous 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 (WaterSanitation 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,  that 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 pollutionwaste managementplastic banmanual 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.

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