Question : Air Pollution

(a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has any plan to execute a nation-wide programme to curb air pollution and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the status of implementation of the ‘graded response action plan’ to tackle different levels of pollution in Delhi;
(c) whether the said action plan is likely to be implemented at the National level and if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the CPCB has organised a comprehensive programme through mass media to tackle pollution, if so, the details thereof and if not, the corrective steps taken thereon;
(e) whether the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has conducted inspection of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Centres in Delhi; and
(f) if so, the outcome thereof along with similar measures proposed to be taken at the National level as well as the steps taken to ensure PUC compliance and linking of PUC certificate with insurance of vehicles?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) The government has formulated National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long term time bound national level strategy to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in comprehensive manner. The overall objective is to augment and evolve effective ambient air quality monitoring network across the country besides ensuring comprehensive management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. The NCAP focuses on collaborative and participatory approach comprising all sources of pollution and coordination between relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, local bodies and other stakeholders.Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring ambient air quality in 691 locations covering 303 cities/towns in 29 States and 6 Union Territories across the country under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).

(b) Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 12.01.2017 is being implemented by Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to redress the air pollution problem in Delhi & NCR and directions given by EPCA from time to time is being followed by concerned agencies.

(c) At present, there is no proposal to implement GRAP at the National level as its specific for Delhi NCR.

(d) A Clean Air Campaign in Delhi was organized by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Delhi Government covering all 11 districts for improving ground level mitigation actions and creating mass awareness. Teams comprising officials from MoEF&CC, CPCB and Delhi Government inspected areas with focus on implementation of measures relating to various sources of air pollution viz construction activities, road dust, open burning, vehicular pollution and traffic congestion etc.

(e) Environment Pollution Control Authority EPCA has carried out inspection of Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres in Delhi- NCR in compliance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court orders dated January 17, 2017, and February 6, 2017 in the matter of W.P. (Civil) 13029 of 1985: M.C. Mehta vs Union of India.

(f) EPCA based on the inspection of PUC centres and further review of the effectiveness of the PUC programme being implemented in Delhi-NCR submitted its recommendations to Hon’ble Supreme Court.Accordingly, on the basis of direction of Hon’ble Supreme court, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued various advisories to the state governments for proper functioning of PUC centres.The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has informed that directions for linking of PUC certificate with the insurance of vehicles has been issued to all insurers. Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification GSR 196 (E) dated 28.02.2018 for the linking of PUC certificate with the VAHAN database which will help in proper implementation of PUC regime.

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