A meeting was convened today by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to assess the progress and effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), particularly in air pollution hotspots and other priority areas across Delhi. The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of CAQM and saw participation from senior officials, including the Chief Secretary of Delhi, and representatives from key departments such as the Environment Department, Transport Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Traffic Police, Delhi Jal Board, PWD, and DSIIDC. Other organizations such as CPWD, NDMC, NHAI, DMRC, DDA, NCRTC, and NBCC were also in attendance.
The primary focus of the meeting was to ensure that all relevant authorities strictly implement the directives issued under GRAP. The need for uncompromising enforcement was underscored, with a call for immediate and stringent action against violators to ensure accountability. Emphasis was placed on the effective execution of measures aimed at reducing air pollution in identified hotspots, as well as on the importance of proactive coordination among agencies to achieve tangible improvements in air quality.
Key Measures Under GRAP Stage I and II Reiterated
The meeting reiterated the critical measures to be undertaken during the initial stages of GRAP. For Stage I, the actions include:
Halting construction and demolition projects on plots larger than 500 sqm if not registered on the designated web portal.
Prohibiting open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste.
Banning the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at eateries and restaurants.
Enhancing traffic management at congestion-prone areas.
Impounding or penalizing polluting vehicles.
In Stage II, additional measures are to be intensified:
Mechanized road sweeping, water sprinkling, and the deployment of anti-smog guns for dust control.
Ensuring uninterrupted power supply through DISCOMs to minimize reliance on diesel generators.
Focusing efforts on identified air pollution hotspots.
Regulating the use of diesel generators, except for emergency services as specified by CAQM.
Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability Measures
To ensure effective implementation, several initiatives have been put in place:
A GRAP Monitoring Control Room has been established within the Commission to oversee the actions undertaken by various agencies to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). This control room also addresses citizen complaints.
A Nodal Officer has been appointed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for daily reporting to the GRAP Monitoring Control Room.
A dedicated group has been set up to facilitate smooth communication between the Nodal Officers and the DPCC/SPCBs, ensuring efficient data sharing.
Regular analysis of reports on GRAP actions is conducted by the Commission, with follow-ups to ensure responsiveness from various agencies.
Emphasis on Swift Resolution of Complaints
The Commission expressed concern over the backlog of unresolved complaints related to air pollution violations. It was stressed that every reported case must be addressed with urgency, and that delays in resolving complaints hinder the effective enforcement of air quality measures. Agencies were directed to adopt a more proactive approach to ensure timely resolution of all pending issues, thereby maintaining the integrity of the enforcement process.
Specific Directives to MCD and Transport Agencies
The MCD was specifically instructed to review the parking fee structure in public spaces, as per the Commission’s previous directives. The aim is to rationalize fees for private vehicles, thereby encouraging the use of public transport. Additionally, the MCD was directed to enforce stricter measures against unauthorized parking, which contributes to traffic congestion and elevated pollution levels, especially during the winter months.
The need to intensify actions against End-of-Life (EoL) Vehicles was also highlighted. Vehicles older than 15 years for petrol engines and 10 years for diesel engines are still reportedly operating within Delhi, contributing significantly to air pollution. Authorities were urged to take decisive steps to remove these high-polluting vehicles from the roads.
Focus on Hotspot-Specific Action Plans
The Commission emphasized the importance of hotspot-specific action plans, especially during the winter months when pollution levels tend to spike. Measures include augmenting public transport, improving traffic management, preventing open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste, and raising public awareness on pollution control practices.
Collaborative efforts from all agencies were deemed essential for the successful implementation of these measures, with a focus on achieving meaningful improvements in air quality across the region. The Commission urged all stakeholders to maintain a unified and concerted approach to effectively tackle the pressing issue of air pollution in Delhi.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)