Action plan to curb pollution rolls out on Oct 15

The much talked about Odd-Even road rationing system is all set to return to the Capital this winter, when the graded response action plan (GRAP) to curb air pollution rolls out on October 15. The plan also proposes hiking the parking fee at congested areas by three to four times.

GRAP, which has an advisory for each category of air pollution — emergency, severe, very poor, moderate, poor — will be implemented in Delhi-NCR between October 15 and March 15. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) — a Supreme Court (SC) mandated body to monitor air pollution in the city, has prepared the GRAP.

The plan suggests that "Odd-Even system to be implemented" during the "severe" and "emergency" categories of air quality.

"There will be off-peak hours, when the parking rates will fall, while during congestion, the charges will be hiked by three to four times. We will have to stop people from using private modes of transport. Here, the Odd-Even system and car pooling will come as a great tool to reduce pollution. We have told the government departments, including the traffic police, to plan adequately for these measures and create public awareness in advance," EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal said.

The plan came into existence last November, after the national Capital witnessed layers of smog following Diwali, with air turning almost to poison.                                                                                           

"We have already issued letters to NCR states, including Haryana and Punjab, against crop burning, which contributes heavily to city pollution. Besides, we have submitted the measures under GRAP to the Apex Court. We have asked the Delhi government departments to be ready for the measures to be taken under the plan. It is crucial that we don't allow a repeat of last year's lethal smog," Lal said.

Besides, the EPCA will organise a meeting with the three municipal corporations on Tuesday to chalk out a strategy against garbage burning, and controlling dust on roads and construction sites.

According to the action plan , measures under the "severe" and "emergency" categories also includes stopping heavy goods vehicles (except for those with essentials) to enter the city limits. The Transport Department and the traffic police will be responsible for identifying alternative routes for these vehicles.

Also, the corporations and the government agencies will be tasked to identify construction sites across the city. "All construction will be stopped in case air quality reaches severe levels. District-level committees will be formed to monitor construction sites," he said.

Besides, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) test centers will be monitored by the state transport authority and the government's task force.