Delhi’s Fight Against Pollution: Gopal Rai Implements GRAP Stage-I
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced the implementation of Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR to combat rising air pollution. This decision follows the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 200. GRAP Stage-I focuses on dust mitigation, monitoring garbage burning, and checking vehicle Pollution Under Control certifications.
Rai highlighted the need for cooperation from neighboring states, noting the absence of joint meetings previously conducted by the central government. In Noida, Regional Officer Utsav Sharma confirmed the implementation of GRAP Stage-I, which includes measures like mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, and a ban on waste burning. Vehicles older than 10 years (diesel) and 15 years (petrol) are also banned.
Additionally, 14 cases of stubble burning have been tracked using satellite monitoring. A ban on firecrackers in Delhi is in effect until January 1, as part of efforts to control pollution sources. The anti-dust campaign, which began on October 7, has intensified with surprise inspections revealing non-compliance at construction sites, leading to fines.
Rai emphasized the importance of reducing pollution sources, including dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning, as temperatures drop and pollution particles settle lower. The government is implementing 11 measures to address pollution and will consider emergency measures if necessary.
Doubts Revealed
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is the Environment Minister of Delhi. He is responsible for taking care of the environment and making sure the air is clean.
GRAP -: GRAP stands for Graded Response Action Plan. It is a set of rules and actions to control air pollution in Delhi and nearby areas.
AQI -: AQI means Air Quality Index. It is a number that shows how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means more pollution.
Delhi-NCR -: Delhi-NCR refers to the National Capital Region, which includes Delhi and nearby areas like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad.
dust mitigation -: Dust mitigation means taking steps to reduce dust in the air. This can include things like covering construction sites and using water to keep dust down.
vehicle certifications -: Vehicle certifications are checks to make sure vehicles are not polluting too much. Vehicles need to pass these checks to be allowed on the road.
Noida -: Noida is a city near Delhi, part of the National Capital Region. It is also affected by air pollution and follows similar rules to Delhi.
firecracker ban -: A firecracker ban means people are not allowed to use firecrackers. This is to prevent more pollution from the smoke they create.
anti-dust campaign -: An anti-dust campaign is an effort to reduce dust in the air. It includes actions like fining construction sites that do not follow rules to control dust.
