Graded Response Action Plan comes into force in Delhi

The Anti-Pollution measure Graded Response Action Plan is to come into force in Delhi. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has banned the operation of electricity generator sets. The Environment Pollution Authority had earlier directed Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana Governments to implement air pollution control measures under Graded Response Action Plan.

What is Graded Response Action Plan?

The Graded Response Action Plan are institutional measures that are to be adopted when the air quality deteriorates. It is an emergency measure. It was prepared by Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority. It aims to prevent Particulate Matter PM 10 and PM 2.5 go beyond “moderate” Air Quality Index.

About the Plan

The plan lists four categories and measures to be adopted when situation of particular category arises. They are as follows

Moderate to Poor

• The Air Quality is categorised as moderate to poor when the Ambient Particulate matter concentration is as follows
  • Concentration of PM 2.5 is between 61 and 120 micro grams per cubic metres
  • Concentration of PM 10 is between 101 and 350 micro grams per cubic metres
• The measures to be taken during this situation are as follows
  • Pollution control measures to be enforced in power plants
  • Ban on firecrackers
  • Burning of Garbage should be stopped
  • Mechanised sweeping of roads

Very Poor

• The Air Quality is categorised as very poor when the Ambient Particulate matter concentration is as follows
  • Concentration of PM 2.5 is between 121 and 250 micro grams per cubic metres
  • Concentration of PM 10 is between 351 and 430 micro grams per cubic metres
• The measures to be taken during this situation are as follows
  • The usage of diesel generator sets is stopped
  • Frequency of bus and metro services are increased
  • Usage of coal and firewood in open eateries and hotels are stopped

Severe

• The Air Quality is categorised as severe when the Ambient Particulate matter concentration is as follows
  • Concentration of PM 2.5 is more than 250 micro grams per cubic metres
  • Concentration of PM 10 is more than 430 micro grams per cubic metres
• The measures to be taken during this situation are as follows
  • Close hot mix plants, stone crushers and brick kilns
  • Introduce off-peak travel in public transport
  • Increase sprinkling of water on roads

Emergency

It is also called Severe plus.

• The Air Quality is categorised as severe when the Ambient Particulate matter concentration is as follows
  • Concentration of PM 2.5 is more than 300 micro grams per cubic metres
  • Concentration of PM 10 is more than 500 micro grams per cubic metres
• The measures to be taken during this situation are as follows
  • Construction activities are stopped
  • Schools are shut down
  • Entry of diesel trucks are prohibited

Environment Pollution Control Authority

It was established under Environment Protection Act, 1986. It is a supreme court body that was created to take measures to tackle air pollution in National Capital Region.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020