Gopal Rai to chair meeting on winter action plan to combat air pollution in Delhi

According to the officials, the minister will designate special tasks to departments concerned which will have to provide a detailed report on mitigating air pollution from a specific source.

The environment department will keep an eye to implement the interventions to fight winter pollution.

The action plan will emphasize on stubble management, dust pollution, vehicular emission, open burning of garbage, green war room and Green Delhi application, industrial pollution, pollution hotspots, real-time apportionment study, e-waste parks, plantation, smog tower, eco-farming, public participation, firecrackers and joint action with neighbouring states.

All the action points will be discussed in depth with the 33 departments concerned in the meeting on Monday.

The meeting will also address the implementation of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The revamped GRAP, a set of anti-air pollution steps, followed in Delhi and the surrounding area according to the severity of the situation will come into force from 1 October, 15 days prior to the usual date, as per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

The revised plan, which is part of a new policy devised by the CAQM to subside air pollution in Delhi-NCR, focuses on proactive implementation of the curbs based on forecast restrictions. It can be imposed up to three days in advance.

Earlier, the authorities would implement the measures only after the PM2.5 and PM10 concentration crossed a particular threshold.

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The new plan also entails a ban on BS IV four-wheeler diesel vehicles, barring those engaged in essential services, in Delhi and the bordering districts of NCR if the air quality index (AQI) surpasses the 450-mark.

The GRAP for NCR has now been categorized under four different stages of adverse air quality in Delhi: Stage I Poor (AQI 201-300), Stage II Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Stage III Severe (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV Severe Plus (AQI >450).

(With inputs from PTI)

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