What is the Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and NCR?| The Hindu

Summary

In response to worsening air quality in New Delhi, a revised graded response action plan was implemented. It includes a ban on construction and demolition activities, strict regulations on waste disposal and emissions, promotion of public transport, and restrictions on private vehicles. The plan also advises the public on vehicle maintenance and encourages reporting pollution violations. As air quality declines, measures escalate, potentially leading to school closures and the odd-even vehicle system.

Takeaways

• 🌁 The air quality in New Delhi and surrounding areas worsens significantly during winter, leading to national news coverage.
• 📉 On October 5th, Delhi's air quality was recorded to be in the poor category, prompting immediate action.
• 🛠️ A revised action plan was created to combat air pollution in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
• 🚫 The first stage of the graded response action plan involved strict restrictions on polluting activities based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
• 🏗️ A ban on construction and demolition activities for plots over 500 square meters that are not registered on government portals was implemented.
• 🚫 Strict enforcement against open burning of Municipal Solid Waste and biomass, with heavy fines for violations.
• 🌱 Guidelines for the use of anti-smog guns at construction sites were issued to control pollution.
• 🚫 A ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries to reduce air pollution.
• 🛑 Increased road cleaning and water sprinkling frequencies to manage dust and pollution.
• 🚦 Measures to discourage private transport, such as erasing parking fees and providing incentives for off-peak travel on public transport.

Q & A

What is the primary issue addressed in the New Delhi and surrounding areas during winter?

The primary issue addressed is acute air pollution, which becomes a matter of national news.

What was the air quality status of Delhi on October 5th?

On October 5th, Delhi's air quality was recorded to be in the poor category.

What is a revised graded response action plan?

A revised graded response action plan is a strategy created to combat pollution in New Delhi and the National Capital Region, with actions based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

What is the first stage of the revised graded response action plan?

The first stage involves enforcing restrictions on polluting activities, including a ban on construction and demolition activities for plots over 500 square meters not registered on government portals.

What are the measures taken to manage solid waste according to the action plan?

Agencies must ensure all solid waste is lifted from dedicated dump sites and none is dumped on open land.

What penalties are imposed for open burning of Municipal solid waste and biomass?

Heavy fines are imposed for openly burning Municipal solid waste and biomass.

What steps are taken to ensure compliance with emission norms by thermal power plants and industries?

Authorities will ensure that thermal power plants comply with emission norms and that industries use approved fuel.

How does the action plan address the use of firecrackers?

The ban on firecrackers should be followed as per the directions of respective codes.

What is the role of social media in the action plan?

Social media is used to update people about pollution levels and control room contact details for reporting violations.

What measures are taken to discourage the use of private transport?

Parking fees may be increased, and resident welfare associations are required to provide electric heaters to security staff to prevent the burning of solid waste or biomass.

What actions are taken when the air quality rises to dangerous levels?

Entry of all trucks, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services, is stopped into Delhi. Four-wheeler diesel light Motor Vehicles are also banned in the NCT of Delhi and districts of NCR bordering Delhi.

What is the graded advisory for the public included in the action plan?

The graded advisory includes properly tuning vehicle engines, ensuring accurate air pressure in tires, and updating pollution under control certificates.