Delhi's Air Quality Graded Response Action

Summary of GRAP-1 Implementation Due to Deteriorating Air Quality in Delhi-NCR

Current Air Quality Status:

• Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 244 (Poor category) on October 21, with projections indicating continued poor air quality.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

• Inception: Established following Supreme Court directives in December 2016 and notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on January 12, 2017.
• Objective: To implement emergency measures based on air quality levels.
• Stage Descriptions:
  • Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300
  • Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
  • Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450
  • Stage IV (Severe+): AQI > 450

Measures Under GRAP Stage I:

• Pollution Mitigation: Strengthening rules governing:
  • Dust mitigation from construction and demolition activities.
  • Vehicle emissions, including checks on diesel generator sets.
• Traffic Management:
  • Synchronizing traffic signals.
  • Enforcing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and impounding of visibly polluting vehicles.
  • Restricting entry of certain non-compliant vehicles into Delhi.
• Public Transport Enhancements:
  • Increase in frequency and fleet of CNG and electric buses.
  • Promotion of off-peak travel with differential fares.

Dust Control Measures:

• Regular mechanized road cleaning and water sprinkling to suppress road dust.
• Enforcing compliance with dust-control measures at construction sites.

Waste Management:

• Ensure proper waste collection and disposal.
• Ban on open burning of waste.
• Responding to illegal dumping.

Industrial Emissions:

• Enhanced inspections of industries.
• Strict penalties for non-compliance with pollution regulations.

Public Compliance Recommendations:

• Vehicle checks for proper maintenance and valid PUC.
• Use of public transport and carpooling encouraged.
• Segregation of waste and adherence to compliance with dust-control measures.

Resident Responsibilities:

• Monitoring AQI via mobile apps (e.g., SAMEER App).
• Promoting public awareness and adherence to pollution reduction practices.
• Reporting pollution incidents through municipal apps.

Additional Context:

• Environmental Impact: GRAP aims to tackle alarming air pollution levels which pose significant health risks.
• Public Health and Safety: Strong emphasis on minimizing reliance on diesel generators and promoting cleaner alternate fuel sources in restaurants and eateries.

References to Legal and Constitutional Framework:

• GRAP is a product of judicial directions (Supreme Court) and is enforced under the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, signifying the legal backbone of the actions taken towards pollution control in Delhi-NCR.

This summary encapsulates the critical elements of GRAP-1 with respect to air quality management in Delhi-NCR, highlighting the relevant measures, responsibilities, and legal context involved in combating air pollution.