Delhi Environment Minister directs strict implementation of GRAP to combat air pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain has directed strict implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital to check air pollution.

The GRAP underlines the action taken by the implementing agencies for taking warranted action for controlling air pollution.

Hussain on Monday convened a high-level meeting to review action taken by various stakeholders for the implementation of the GRAP mandated by the Supreme Court for combating air pollution in the national capital in view of the situation post-Diwali and stubble burning in neighbouring states.

The Minister appreciated the efforts made by all the stakeholders in controlling air pollution during Diwali and expressed concern over the high pollution level in the national capital, post-Diwali.

As per GRAP, the air quality is 'moderate' when ambient PM2.5 or PM10 concentration value is between 61-120 µg/m3 or 101-350µg/m3 respectively. The air quality is termed as 'very poor' when ambient PM2.5 or PM10 concentration value is more than 121-250µg/m3 or 351-430µg/m3 respectively. It is termed as 'very poor' when ambient PM2.5 or PM10 concentration value is more than 250µg/m3 or 430µg/m3 respectively.

The air quality is termed as 'severe plus' or 'emergency' when ambient PM2.5 or PM10 concentration values of 300 µg/m3 or 500µg/m3 respectively persist for 48 hours or more.

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed that actions are being taken by the agencies concerned to keep a tap on the increase in the pollution level. The DPCC also said that the frequency of mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkles has been increased.

The Environment Minister observed that there is a strong need to control local air polluting factors such as burning, dust, and others. He directed the Municipal Corporations to intensify mechanical sweeping of roads including PWD roads for preventing suspension and re-suspension of dust due to plying of vehicles.

The Minister also directed the Municipal Corporations to increase enforcement of compliance of directions regarding the prohibition of permitting uncovered building material on their respective roads or spaces.

Hussain also directed to ensure that during the period of ban on construction, no one indulges in such activities and that violators are strictly punished. He said that no construction material should be kept open and regular sprinkling of water at all construction sites must be done.

The Industries Department and DSIIDC was directed to ensure compliance of action plan for proper disposal of waste generated by the industrial units especially in Narela and Bawana Industrial areas.

In the meeting, it was also observed that ready-mixed concrete plants need to be inspected regularly for checking air pollution.

The meeting was attended by officials of Delhi government, senior officers of North, South and East MCDs, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Environment Department, Transport Department, Industries Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructural Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) and other stakeholders.