Enforcement of targeted measures by various agencies after imposition of GRAP to control and abate air pollution in Delhi-NCR during the period from 15.10.2024 to 31.10.2024 – EQ
In Short : In response to the imposition of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR, various agencies have enforced targeted measures from October 15 to October 31, 2024. These include increased monitoring of pollution sources, halting construction activities, regulating vehicular emissions, promoting the use of public transport, and controlling industrial pollution. The focus is on reducing particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, improving air quality, and minimizing health risks for residents. Agencies like the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have been actively involved in ensuring compliance and issuing advisories to the public for necessary precautions.
In Detail : With the implementation of revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas since 15.10.2024, comprehensive and target specific actions under Stages I & II of GRAP are being taken by the concerned agencies responsible for control of air pollution in NCR. Stage-I of GRAP has been in-force since 15.10.2024 and Stage-II since 22.10.2024 in the entire NCR. During 15.10.2024 – 31.10.2024 period, a range of preventive and remedial measures were initiated to abate air pollution in the region. Summary of the actions taken by different agencies in this regard are as follows:
Setting up a GRAP Monitoring Control Room in the Commission To follow up and monitor the targeted actions by NCR States, a GRAP Monitoring Control Room has been set up in the Commission since 15.10.2024 which is headed by Member (CAQM). A dedicated WhatsApp group has been created for smooth flow of information between Control Room and concerned Nodal Officers of States. The Control Room remains operational throughout the week.
Some of the highlights of GRAP actions taken by the NCR States are as under: Inspection of Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites and action taken: As per the GRAP action, inspection of C&D sites has been intensified by concerned agencies to ensure compliance of air pollution control measures. Based on such inspections, action is being taken against non-complying units. More than 7000 C&D sites were inspected across NCR and Environmental Compensation (EC) has been imposed on 597 non-complying sites and orders for closure have been issued for 56 sites.
Deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), Water Sprinklers (WS) and Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs) to control Road Dust: To control the dust pollution at its source, deployment of MRSMs, Water Sprinklers and ASGs has been increased across NCR. In Delhi alone on an average 81 MRSMs were deployed daily while in Haryana and UP, 36 MRSMs were deployed daily to arrest the dust pollution from roads. Similarly, on an average around 600 water sprinklers and ASGs each were also deployed on daily basis across NCR.
Enforcement actions in Vehicular Sector: Intensive drive was taken to challan non-compliant vehicles on account of non-possession of PUCs, visibly polluting, carrying C&D waste, etc. Overaged vehicles found plying on road were also impounded. A total of around 54,000 vehicles have been challaned for non-possession of PUCs and around 3900 overaged vehicles have been impounded across NCR during the period (15.10.2024 – 31.10.2024).
Enforcement of MSW Management measures: Intensive inspections were carried out for illegal dumping sites across NCR and necessary action taken against illegal sites. More than 5300 such inspections were carried out. Accordingly, action against defaulters for MSW burning during GRAP period was also taken.
Enforcement actions in Industrial Sectors and use of DG sets: Enforcement drives have been taken by NCR State agencies to inspect industries and DG sets and take action against non-complying units by imposing EC and/or issuing closure. Approx. 1400 industries and 1300 DG sets were inspected and action against non-complying units were taken.
Efforts by the concerned agencies responsible for control of air pollution in Delhi-NCR will be further intensified during the GRAP period as per the prevailing situation.
