There is no proposal to implement Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle air pollution at the national level as it's specific for Delhi- NCR, the government said today.
Minister of State for Environment Mahesh Sharma, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, said GRAP notified by the environment ministry in early 2017 was being implemented by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to redress air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
He said directions given by the EPCA from time to time was being followed by the agencies concerned.
"At present, there is no proposal to implement GRAP at the national level as it's specific for Delhi-NCR," he said.
He said that the government has formulated National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle increasing air pollution 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," he said.
He added that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was monitoring ambient air quality in 691 locations covering 303 cities and towns in 29 states and six union territories across the country under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
He said 'Clean Air Campaign' in Delhi was organised by his ministry in collaboration with the Delhi government covering all 11 districts for improving ground-level mitigation actions and creating mass awareness.
Replying to another question, he said the government has approved a project, titled Climate Resilience Building among Farmers through Crop Residue Management, under National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change to tackle stubble burning.
It will be done through in-situ management of crop residue, diversification of cropping pattern, setting up of fodder banks and capacity buildings of farmers.
"The states covered under the project are Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The role of these states is to implement, monitor and evaluate the above-mentioned project activities in their respective jurisdictions and as per the detailed project report.
"The project has been approved at total cost of Rs 120.66 crore for a period of three years," he said.
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