Delhi govt takes steps to curb pollution & implement GRAP

New Delhi: The AAP-led Delhi government is set to implement Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi as recommended by the Supreme Court-appointed pollution watchdog Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). The Delhi Department of Environment Minister, Kailash Gahlot has directed the environment department to chalk out areas that have high air pollution emission for better implementation of GRAP.

The government has started its work to determine pollution hotspots in Delhi and will implement stringent actions to curb pollution in these areas, in accordance with the GRAP guidelines. "The Department of Environment along with Delhi Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) is working on

these hotspots and the plan will be finalised by October 15. This plan is expected to

identify local pollution from non-compliant stack emissions, fugitive emissions, open burning of industrial waste, municipal solid waste, and dust generators for stronger local action. This will include penalty and deterrence," said a senior official of the Delhi government.

GRAP was notified in 2017 and includes a set of guidelines to follow and action to be taken when air quality deteriorates.