The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) launched the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday, marking a significant step in addressing the city’s growing air pollution. Pimpri Chinchwad is now the first city in Maharashtra and one of the few across India to implement such a comprehensive anti-pollution strategy, combining real-time monitoring, advanced forecasting, and stringent enforcement measures.
GRAP focuses on pollution control based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Currently, the city is under GRAP I, with an AQI in the range of 101-300 (moderate to poor). Key actions under this phase include regular road cleaning to reduce dust, restricting illegal waste dumping, and improving traffic management to reduce vehicular emissions. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) is assisting in the initiative, including providing air quality forecasts up to three days in advance. As the AQI worsens, GRAP introduces further measures under subsequent phases. For AQI levels of 301-400 (Very Poor), Phase II includes restrictions on diesel generators, enhanced road cleaning, and promoting public transport. In Phase III, for AQI levels of 401-500 (Severe), measures such as shutting down highly polluting industries and creating non-motorized zones are implemented, alongside stricter penalties for environmental violations. These measures are enforced for at least 15 days or until air quality improves.
PCMC has already begun actions under GRAP I, such as increased road washing and waste burning prevention. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized that the plan is a short-term response to prevent the city from reaching the severe AQI category. Public participation played a role in shaping the plan, with the draft put up for public feedback. However, environmental experts, including Prashant Raul of Green Army, raised concerns that pollution levels in areas like Chikhali and Moshi were higher than official readings. Experts have called for better tracking of pollution control efforts, such as fog cannons and road washers, urging stronger enforcement to tackle pollution effectively. Through GRAP, Pimpri Chinchwad is taking a proactive approach to combat air pollution, with real-time data, public involvement, and systematic enforcement to protect residents’ health and improve air quality.
