CAQM reviews implementation and effectiveness of actions under GRAP
The meeting is more significant in face of the approaching winter season, focusing on the air pollution hotspots in Delhi
Concerned departments, authorities and agencies directed to strictly implement
and enforce the extant directions of the Commission for abatement of air
pollution, particularly those listed under the GRAP Schedule
The meeting focuses on enhanced inter-agency coordination co-ordination and
accountability of all key stakeholders towards abatement of air pollution in
Delhi
The meeting also focuses on strict discipline and measures to guard against
unauthorized/ haphazard parking of private vehicles on roads, markets, public
spaces etc. leading to vehicular congestion and high levels of pollution,
particularly in winters; calls for strict action against violators including
for violations of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate regime;
Commission directs for intensified actions to liquidate highly polluting End-of-Life
(EoL) Vehicles (more than 15 years for Petrol vehicles and 10 years for Diesel
vehicles).
A meeting was convened at the Commission today, chaired by the
Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The purpose of
the meeting was to review the progress and effectiveness of the actions being
implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), particularly in air
pollution hotspots and other designated priority areas across Delhi.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of Delhi, senior
officials from key departments and agencies of the GNCT of Delhi, including
Environment, Transport, MCD, Traffic Police, Delhi Jal Board, PWD and DSIIDC
besides other organizations like the CPWD, NDMC, NHAI, DMRC, DDA, NCRTC and
NBCC.
During the meeting, it was strongly reiterated that all relevant
departments, authorities, and agencies are required to strictly implement the
directions issued by the Commission, in its letter and spirit. The importance
of strict and uncompromising enforcement was underscored and it was emphasized
that immediate and firm action must be taken against any violators, ensuring
accountability at all levels.
Key preventive actions to be undertaken / intensified during Stage-I and
Stage-II of the GRAP were reiterated during the meeting as under:
GRAP Stage I
· Stop C&D
projects with plot size more than 500 sqm and not registered on the ‘Web
portal’.
· Prohibition on open
burning of biomass and municipal solid waste.
· Ban coal/firewood
in Tandoors in dhabas and restaurants etc.
· Improved traffic
management at vulnerable / congestion prone points.
· Impounding of /
penal action on polluting vehicles.
GRAP Stage II
· Intensifying
mechanised sweeping of roads, water sprinkling and use of anti-smog guns for
dust abatement measures.
· Ensure
uninterrupted power supply through DISCOMs to minimise use of DG sets.
· Focused attention
on identified air pollution hotspots.
· Regulations on DG
sets except emergent and essential services specified by CAQM.
The following were highlighted towards a comprehensive approach to
enhance coordination, ensure timely action and improve the overall
effectiveness of the measures to control air pollution in the region:
· Implementation of
directives issued to concerned authorities to tag the CAQM along with the concerned
implementing authority while responding to a Complaint on their social media
page.
· “GRAP Monitoring
Control Room” has been setup in the Commission for effective implementation and
monitoring of actions by agencies concerned for control of air pollution in NCR
under various stages of GRAP and also for redressal of complaints by citizens.
· Nodal Officer has
been nominated by DPCC / SPCBs for daily reporting of data to the GRAP
Monitoring Control Room.
· A group has also
been created for smooth flow of information and respective Nodal officer and
Member Secretary of DPCC/SPCBs have been on-boarded.
· Reports /
information shared on actions under GRAP is analysed by the Commission on a
regular basis to assess overall responsiveness of various agencies /
departments with a regular follow up with Nodal Officers for necessary
corrective measures.
The Commission expressed concern regarding the slow pace of resolution
and the growing backlog of pending complaints being handled by the respective
agencies. It was strongly emphasised that every case of violation must be
treated with urgency and addressed promptly to ensure swift resolution. The
Commission underscored the need for a more proactive approach in dealing with
complaints, as delays in resolving issues also hinder the effective
implementation of air quality management measures. It was clearly stated that
agencies must take immediate and decisive action in resolving pending cases and
preventing further accumulation of unresolved complaints. The Commission also
reminded the authorities that timely resolution is crucial for maintaining the
integrity of the enforcement process and for achieving the broader objectives
of air pollution control.
MCD was specifically instructed to comprehensively review the parking
fee structure in public parking spaces as called for by the Commission vide
Direction No. 82 dated 20.08.2024. This directive mandates
rationalisation / review of parking fees for private vehicles in order to
encourage the use of public transportation.
The meeting also focused on strict discipline and measures to guard
against unauthorized/ haphazard parking of private vehicles on metaled roads,
markets, public spaces etc. leading to vehicular congestion and high levels of
pollution, particularly in winters and called for strict action against
violators including for violations of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
regime.
The Commission directed for intensified actions to liquidate the large
fleet of highly polluting End-of-Life (EoL) Vehicles (more than 15 years for
Petrol vehicles and 10 years for Diesel vehicles) still reported to be plying
in Delhi.
Key actions reported to enforce the GRAP in Delhi include
hotspot-specific action plans and measures in other identified priority areas,
augmenting public transport and improving traffic management, preventing open
biomass/MSW burning during the winters and enhanced public awareness, among
other initiatives.
The meeting further stressed the need for targeted action in
coordination with all relevant agencies at key hotspots and other priority
areas to effectively tackle air pollution. It was emphasised that a
collaborative and focused approach is essential to ensure the successful
implementation of pollution control measures and to achieve meaningful
improvements in air quality.