EPCA implements ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories of GRAP

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Ahead of Diwali and the winter season, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) has implemented the "Very Poor" and "Severe" categories of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

The decision was announced at a press conference here on Tuesday evening and the "Very Poor" and "Severe" categories of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will remain in force till March 15, 2018.

"Difficult situations demand tough responses and solutions and the Delhi-NCR region is faced with a really difficult situation each winter, when air pollution levels spiral out of control. The EPCA and all other agencies of the governmentare prepared to take those tough decisions which we believe will help clear the air," said EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal.

The environment body has further advised the residents of Delhi-NCR to use face masks whenever possible. It has also raised concerns over the existing landfill sites in the capital.

Based on its assessment of wind direction, EPCA said that it has predicted October 20, the day after Diwali, will be a very bad day for the residents of the capital in terms of air quality. The wind, according to EPCA, would be south-easterly, which woulod add moisture to Delhi's air and thereby increase the concentration of pollutants by not letting them disperse.

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