What exactly is GRAP:

  • The GRAP is a set of emergency measures to be implemented based on air quality to control pollution.
  • The Supreme Court approved it in 2016.
  • Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority drafted the plan.
  • It’s only useful in an emergency.
  • Because the plan is incremental, the measures indicated must be followed as the air quality deteriorates from poor to very poor.

The plan’s overview is as follows:

  • In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, 13 different authorities must work together to implement the strategy (NCR areas).
  • The EPCA, which was mandated by the Supreme Court, sits at the head of the table.
  • EPCA holds a meeting with representatives from all NCR states before imposing any measures, and a decision is made on which steps should be implemented in which town.
  • The Commission on Air Quality Management is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving air quality.
  • In October of this year, the ‘Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjacent Areas Ordinance 2020’ was passed.
  • The Commission will take the place of bodies like the Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan pollution control boards.
  • It will have the authority to issue directives to these state governments on air pollution issues.

Composition:

  • It will be a long-term organization with more than 20 members.
  • Chairperson: A government official with the level of Secretary or Chief Secretary will preside over the meeting.

Jurisdiction:

  • In matters of air pollution, the NCR will have exclusive jurisdiction, comprising territories in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and will collaborate with the CPCB and ISRO, in addition to the various state governments.
  • Source  The Hindu