Ministry's report outlines strategies to curb Delhi-NCR air pollution

In response to the National Green Tribunal's directives, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) submitted an action-taken report on January 2, 2024, outlining measures to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The report highlighted the review of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) schedule by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) in 2023. On October 6, 2023, the Commission issued directions for immediate implementation whenever necessary, covering the entire NCR region.

The report mentioned that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of actions to minimize air pollution based on its severity, was reviewed by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) in 2023. The plan was set to be implemented immediately whenever the Commission issued orders.

The action taken report, filed in compliance with NGT's instructions, emphasized a comprehensive plan, particularly for winter, known as GRAP. This plan prescribes specific actions based on the severity of air pollution, to be executed by identified agencies during peak winter months when pollution levels tend to be high across NCR.

The schedule for GRAP underwent revisions in October 2023, with Direction No 77 issued by CAQM for immediate implementation as and when orders were issued by the Commission under various stages across NCR.

The Central Government has taken noteworthy measures to combat air pollution at the national level, including initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme. Other actions include controlling industrial emissions, addressing stubble burning emissions, managing vehicular emissions, and implementing waste management strategies.

This report signifies a concerted effort by the authorities to tackle the persistent issue of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, emphasizing a proactive approach with revised schedules and comprehensive national-level programs.

In addition to GRAP, the central government has taken key actions at the national level, including the National Clean Air Programme, measures to control industrial emissions, stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and waste management.

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