The Supreme Court on Friday gave its nod to an action plan prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that categorised four levels to measure air quality of Delhi-NCR and measures to tackle the pollution.
According to the scheme, when particulate matter (PM) levels reach alarming levels of 300 micro grams per cubic metre (of PM 2.5) and 500 micro grams per cubic metre (of PM10), it would be declared as Emergency situation. The authortieis will then be required to take urgent measures such as rolling out odd-even scheme for private vehicles, banning entry of trucks except those carrying essential goods, and closure of schools.
After Dipawali, when Delhi’s air witnessed thick layers of smog, the PM levels were in the range of 400-800 micrograms across major parts of the city.
The other three levels of air quality determined by the Board were `Severe” (when PM 2.5 is 250-300 and PM 10 is 430-500), “Very Poor” (when PM 2.5 is 121-250 and PM10 is 351-430) and “Moderate to Poor “ (when PM 2.5 is 91-120 and PM 10 is 101-250).
The report of CPCB was approved by the Green Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur, Justices AK Sikri and SA Bobde. The report was earlier approved by environmentalist Sunita Narain, who is also part of the Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA), which advises and assists the Court in environment-related issues.
At the level of Severe, the pollution manning agency sought closure of brick kilns, hot mix plants, stone crushing units, Badarpur coal-based power plant, besides other measures of improving public transport and ensuring water sprinkling of roads. Again, when the air quality worsens to the Very Poor level, the civic agencies will be authorized to enhance parking fee by 3-4 times in designated parking places in the Capital. There will also be a ban on use of diesel generators, coal/firewood based eateries during this period. At the last level (Moderate to Poor), which may be an ideal situation for the city, the Board proposed complete stop on garbage burning in landfills and heavy fines for violators.
The CPCB further informed the Court of additional monitoring stations to be set up in Delhi-NCR within six months. Twelve real time air monitoring stations will come up in Uttar Pradesh, nine in Haryana, two in Rajasthan besides 20 new stations in Delhi apart from 28 existing ones, the Board said. The bench sought a status report from the Board in six weeks and posted the matter for hearing in third week of January.