The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Government of India has implemented a series of measures aimed at managing air quality in Delhi-NCR, addressing key pollution sources like vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction and demolition waste.
The government has introduced Environment Compensation Charges for commercial vehicles entering Delhi, following the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order. The Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways have been operationalized to divert non-destined traffic away from Delhi. Additionally, the CAQM has issued directives for the migration of public transport services in NCR to cleaner modes, mandating that all state government bus services between Delhi and cities in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh operate only through electric vehicles (EVs), CNG, or BS-VI diesel from November 1, 2023.
A significant step includes the ban on 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles, in compliance with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and NGT. To further reduce emissions, Vapour Recovery Systems (VRS) have been installed at 3256 petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.
The installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) in red category air polluting industries is a major move towards monitoring industrial emissions. Industries in Delhi have shifted to PNG or cleaner fuels, while operational units in NCR have transitioned to PNG or Biomass. A notable directive is the conversion of brick kilns to zig-zag technology in Delhi and NCR, with a significant number already converted. To control emissions from DG sets, CPCB is funding retrofitment/upgradation in government hospitals. The ban on pet coke and furnace oil as fuel in NCR since 2017 and the enforcement of an approved fuel list further contribute to reducing industrial pollution.
To tackle pollution from construction activities, anti-smog guns and other dust control measures have been mandated at C&D sites. The establishment of a “Dust Control and Management Cell” by road owning/construction agencies aims to effectively implement dust control measures. An online monitoring mechanism ensures compliance with dust mitigation measures at construction sites.
CPCB has conducted trials of new technologies for air pollution control, issuing advisories for the use of dust suppressants at construction sites and on roads. To ensure ground-level implementation, CPCB has deputed 40 teams for incognito inspections of air polluting industries, C&D sites, and DG sets, with a substantial number of units inspected and actions taken for non-compliance.
The CPCB’s mobile app SAMEER provides real-time ambient air quality data and facilitates public reporting of air pollution-related complaints. Regular updates and campaigns are conducted on social media platforms for public awareness and engagement. A daily report comprising AQI, PM concentration trends, and meteorological forecasts is disseminated through the CPCB website.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) formulated for Delhi-NCR tackles sudden rises in air pollution levels. Revised in 2020, the GRAP lists actions for different AQI levels, invoked as needed. CAQM, with technical inputs from CPCB, has issued directives prescribing measures for pollution control across various sectors. In response to deteriorating air quality, directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, were issued for strict implementation of GRAP actions.
