The Environment Ministry has issued directions to State Governments of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to control pollution. The directions come under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 regarding prevention, control or abatement of air pollution and improvement of National Ambient Air Quality. While some of these actions are to complied with immediate effect,  all the guidelines have to be implemented between a month to a maximum of one year .

Addressing a Press meet on Wednesday, the Environment Minister said that the  primary sources of air pollution have been identified as vehicular emissions; burning of biomass, crop residues, municipal solid waste and garbage, road dust; constructions and demolitions; and industrial emissions.

Some of the actions directed for controlling vehicular pollution include immediate action against visibly polluting vehicles, carrying out checks of overloaded vehicles, ensuring No Parking in non-designated areas, decongestion of pathways, promoting battery-operated vehicles and considering introduction of flexi/staggered timings to minimize peak movement of vehicles. 

The Minister informed that mechanised sweeping of roads will be introduced to control road dustThe guidelines have further directed to formulate action plan for creation of green buffers along the traffic corridors, besides maintaining pot holes free roads for free-flow of traffic to reduce emissions and dust. It has called for introducing water fountains at major traffic intersection, wherever feasible.

He pointed out that to control air pollution arising from biomas burning, the ban on burning of agriculture waste and crop residues will be strictly enforced. “Directions have also been issued to ensure strict action against unauthorized brick kilns in an effort to control air pollution caused by industries”, he stressed.

Coming down hard on pollution emanating from construction and transportation of debris, Javadekar said new waste management rules will be notified in the coming month. He further added that to control air pollution from construction and demolition activities, respective municipal agencies have been asked to undertake water sprinkling and putting up curtains and barriers.