CPCB directs measures to curb pollution in Delhi-NCR

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directed the closure of hot mix plants and stone crushers in Delhi-NCR till November 17, considering a likely increase in pollution levels during the festive season.

New Delhi: Amid the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR region, Central Pollution Control Board directed measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including the closure of hot mix plants and stone crushers till November 17, to curb air pollution.

The order released by CPCB stated, "The Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas, in its meeting held on November 10, decided that in the view of deteriorating air quality in NCR region, there is a need to invoke GRAP, already notified by Central Government and entrusted the task of operationalizing and monitoring GRAP measures to CPCB till a mechanism is set up by the Commission."

The Pollution Control body also noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in very poor category and as per the Forecast of November 11 by Ministry of Earth Science, air quality over Delhi-NCR is likely to improve and stay in the upper end of the very poor category during the day.

However, air quality may deteriorate marginally and remain in the upper end of very poor to the severe category on November 13.

Listing a number of measures to curb air pollution, CPCB suggested that the hot mix plants and stone crushers will remain closed all time till November 17.

In addition to this, the frequency of mechanized cleaning of roads and water sprinkling will be increased particularly on the road stretches with high dust generation potential.

"It shall be ensured that guidelines/standard operating procedures for dust mitigation at construction sites are strictly adhered to. In case of violations, strict action should be taken against the violators like an imposition of penalty or temporary stoppage of construction activities," the order further said.

CPCB has also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to take stringent actions against the stubble burning cases and of Delhi, to strictly check biomass burning.

On Wednesday, the contribution of stubble burning in air pollution has decreased significantly, in spite of high fire counts due to the change in transport level wind direction, leading to a slight improvement in air quality index.

To curb air pollution, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had also pronounced a complete ban on the use and sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region till November 30.

"Agencies must ensure compliance of orders of Hon' Courts and National Green Tribunal regarding the burning of sale and use of firecrackers," said CPCB.

The GRAP is a set of anti-pollution measures followed in the Delhi-NCR region when the air quality index reaches to 'Severe' or 'Emergency' category.