Graded Response Action Plan

17 May 2023 Graded Response Action Plan

Graded Response Action Plan

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Graded Response Action Plan”. The topic “Graded Response Action Plan” has relevance in the Environment section for the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance of the topic “Graded Response Action Plan”

For Prelims:
What is the Graded Response Action Plan?

For Mains:
GS 3: Environment
What is the significance of Graded Response Action Plan?
Way Forward

Why in the news?

The Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met to ntake stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR and also assess technical as well as expert inputs related to the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR put forward by IITM/ IMD.

What is Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is an environmental action plan implemented by the Government of India to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi and its neighboring areas. 

GRAP was first introduced in 2017 and has since been revised and updated to address the severity of the air pollution problem in the region.

GRAP is designed to take into account the Air Quality Index (AQI) and trigger specific actions based on different levels of air pollution. It consists of a set of measures that are implemented in a graded manner, depending on the severity of pollution levels. 

The plan categorizes the AQI into different levels, such as moderate, poor, very poor, severe, and emergency. Each level triggers a specific set of actions to be taken by various government agencies and departments. These actions include:

1. Closure of brick kilns and hot mix plants.
2. Prohibition of garbage burning and strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites.
3. Water sprinkling and mechanized road sweeping to reduce dust pollution.
4. Strict enforcement of pollution control measures for industries and power plants.
5. Intensification of public transport services, with a focus on electric vehicles and improving their frequency and capacity.
6. Introduction of odd-even vehicle rationing schemes to reduce vehicular pollution.
7. Implementation of measures to control open burning of agricultural waste and stubble.
8. Introduction of emergency measures, such as banning the entry of trucks into Delhi, closing schools, and enforcing strict action against visibly polluting vehicles.

GRAP is implemented by a task force comprising representatives from various government agencies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and other concerned departments. The task force regularly monitors the air quality and recommends appropriate actions based on the pollution levels.

What is the significance of Graded Response Action Plan?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) holds significant importance in addressing and combating air pollution in the Delhi region. Here are some key aspects highlighting the significance of GRAP:

1. Systematic Approach: GRAP provides a systematic and graded approach to tackle air pollution based on the severity of pollution levels. It categorizes the Air Quality Index (AQI) into different levels and triggers specific actions accordingly. 
2. Timely Intervention: GRAP is enforced during the winter season, which is when air pollution in the Delhi region tends to peak. By implementing specific actions and measures at the right time, GRAP aims to mitigate pollution sources and reduce the impact of high pollution levels on public health.
3. Interagency Coordination: GRAP involves the collaboration and coordination of various government agencies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and other departments. 
4. Pollution Source Control: GRAP addresses multiple sources of pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction activities, waste burning, and agricultural practices. 
5. Public Awareness and Engagement: GRAP emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement in combating air pollution. It seeks to educate the public about the causes and effects of air pollution, encouraging individual actions such as carpooling, using public transport, avoiding waste burning, and adopting cleaner cooking practices. 
6. Flexibility and Adaptability: GRAP is a dynamic plan that can be revised and updated based on the evolving nature of air pollution and emerging challenges.
7. Improved Air Quality and Public Health: The ultimate significance of GRAP lies in its impact on air quality and public health. By implementing the plan’s measures, it aims to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air, leading to improved air quality and a reduction in associated health risks, such as respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular problems.

Overall, GRAP plays a crucial role in providing a comprehensive framework for combating air pollution in the Delhi region. It brings together government agencies, promotes public participation, and focuses on targeted actions to mitigate pollution sources, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1924559

Mohit Pratap Singh