NGT asks Chandigarh to formulate action plan

NGT asks Chandigarh to formulate action plan

1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Union Territory of Chandigarh to develop a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in order to control air pollution. Air pollution has become a major concern in Chandigarh due to excessive number of vehicles on the roads resulting in high emission level.
2. The Delhi-NCR has a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in place to combat air pollution.
3. It is formulated by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). Under GRAP, there are 4 stages of pollution – Moderate to Poor, Very Poor, Severe and Severe+ or Emergency and action are listed that need to be undertaken as the levels are breached.
4. EPCA is a Supreme Court mandated, central government constituted body for the National Capital Region to tackle air pollution and prevent and control environmental pollution.
5. The NGT has also directed Chandigarh authorities to take steps towards compliance of the Solid Waste Management rules, 2016- the rules which govern management and handling of solid waste in India. The rules are applicable to municipal areas, urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, special economic zones, defence establishments, places of pilgrimage, religious and historical importance, and State and Central Government organisations.