Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Becomes First City in Maharashtra to adopt Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP) for Better Air Quality

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has become the first city in Maharashtra to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This initiative will help in the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental challenges and provide the a healthier future for its residents.

What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?

The Graded Response Action Plan is a emergency measures that are activated based on the air quality. It is designed to address air quality issues in a well structured and timely manner, GRAP aims to reduce pollution through a series of steps. The plan’s measures are designed to respond to different levels of pollution, ranging from moderate to severe, and help mitigate its effects on public health and the environment.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Pimpri Chinchwad :

PCMC’s decision to adopt GRAP is an important step in Maharashtra’s fight against air pollution. The PCMC has grown rapidly because of urbanization and industry and has been facing higher pollution levels that affect people’s health and quality of life. By using GRAP, PCMC is showing other cities in Maharashtra and India how to take action to manage pollution and protect the environment.

PCMC GRAP Plan –

1. The GRAP for PCMC has been classified into four phases: Phase 1 – “Moderate to Poor”, Phase 2 – “Very Poor”, Phase 3 – “Severe” and Phase 4 – “Severe+ or Emergency”.
2.  Actions under Phase II, III and IV of the GRAP shall be invoked at least three days in advance of the  AQI reaching to the projected levels of that stage, based on the prevalent AQI and the forecast AQI levels as per the SAFAR app which is based on forecast from IITM or MPCB on a day-to-day basis.
3. Actions under previous phases shall be continued in addition to the actions under the phase that is envisaged to be invoked. For example, when restrictive actions under Phase 3 are invoked, it shall be in addition to the actions under Phase 1 and Phase 2.
4. The actions will continue to be implemented for minimum 15 days from the date of invoke or till the  date substantial change in AQI is observed.
5. The Task Force at PCMC for Air Pollution shall meet in advance and take necessary punitive actions in consultation with experts and issue necessary orders for invoking the GRAP phases. The Task Force shall take all steps towards effective implementation of the GRAP.
6. The Task Force may decide to revise the GRAP or add any additional measures, make improvements and exceptions to the GRAP schedule as per the prevalent situation and AQI levels.

A Model for Other Cities :

PCMC’s success with GRAP can encourage other cities in Maharashtra and beyond to adopt similar measures. GRAP is one of the best strategies to fight and reduce the pollution and also offers a practical way to manage air quality in fast-growing cities. If other cities follow PCMC’s example, it could lead to a united effort to improve air quality across the state.