Kolkata: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), introduced during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Monday, became operational on Tuesday. The implementation involved a newly developed software system designed to monitor air quality and generate advisories when pollution levels exceed designated thresholds.
The system's activation marked a proactive step in addressing the city's air quality challenges. "We put the GRAP software in use on Tuesday. However, advisories will only be sent to relevant stakeholders when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200. Once triggered, automated emails will specify the actions required to combat the situation," explained a senior official from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB).
Although Kolkata and five other "non-attainment" cities in Bengal rarely experience AQI levels severe enough to invoke the highest GRAP stages (III and IV), the plan provides a dynamic framework. Actions under GRAP's Stages II, III and IV are designed to activate preemptively based on daily meteorological forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), ensuring timely intervention.
Under GRAP, KMC submitted a detailed report urging coordinated action from various departments. For instance, curbing the use of diesel generators in urban areas, cracking down on grossly polluting vehicles and ensuring adherence to emission norms. This collaborative approach aims at creating a unified front against air pollution and protecting public health.
GRAP has been customised for six cities in Bengal: Kolkata, Howrah, Barrackpore, Haldia, Asansol and Raniganj, each with specific measures and responsible agencies. While many actions remain uniform across cities, local issues dictate unique interventions. For instance, Raniganj, an industrial hub, faces persistent air quality issues due to industrial emissions, road dust, vehicular pollution, construction activity and transboundary contaminants. Winter exacerbates the situation, as temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface.
Restrictive measures under GRAP are cumulative, meaning actions from earlier stages remain active when higher stages are invoked. For example, Stage III restrictions will include those from Stages I and II to ensure comprehensive mitigation.
The GRAP framework integrates with existing state initiatives and baseline policy measures to ensure a cohesive approach to improving air quality. By considering local conditions, the plan aims to address the unique challenges each city faces while fostering a state-wide strategy for cleaner air. As Kolkata takes the lead in implementing GRAP, stakeholders anticipate more efficient air quality management and reduced pollution levels in the coming months.