New Delhi, Nov 12 (FN Bureau) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has asked the states and implementing agencies of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for ‘complete readiness’ to implement measures under emergency category, according to an order by the central agency issued on Friday. The direction came after a CPCB convened a meeting earlier in the day to review the air quality status which was found under “severe” category. “Concerned states and implementing agencies must be in complete readiness for implementation of measures under ‘Emergency’ category as per GRAP,” the central agency warned in the order. Meanwhile, CPCB also issued several directions to tackle the rising air toxicity in Delhi NCR. The central pollution watchdog has advised people to avoid going outdoors and directed the government and private offices to reduce vehicle usage by at least 30 per cent.
“Government and private offices and other establishments are advised to reduce vehicle usage by at least 30 per cent (by working from home, car-pooling, optimising field activities, etc). People are advised to limit outdoor activities and minimise their exposure,” CPCB stated in the order copy. The board also warned that the coming week is critical with regard to air quality in Delhi-NCR due to unfavourable meteorology, stubble burning and poor dispersion leading to further accumulation of pollutants. Dr VK Soni, Scientist ‘F’, Indian Meteorological Department, said in the meeting that meteorological conditions are highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants till November 18 due to low wind speed (North-westerly) and calm conditions during the night.
“During 14th to 17th November, winds will be calm even during the day. Stubble contribution is likely to remain high due to North-westerly winds and increased stubble burning incidences,” the minutes of the meeting read. Dr TK Joshi, health expert, suggested that poor air quality can affect healthy people, and seriously impacts those with existing diseases especially when the AQI is in the ‘Severe’ category. Meanwhile, it was discussed in the meeting that the implementing agencies, at appropriate level, must closely monitor actions taken and submit daily reports to the pollution control boards and committees concerned which will review and further submit reports to the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) and CPCB.