lieutenant-Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung reviewed the status of air pollution in the Capital for the fourth time on Monday and asked the Delhi Police to take strict action against offenders. Jung chaired a meeting at Raj Niwas, where Deputy Chief Minsiter Manish Sisodia was also present. "He was happy to note that actions taken by various agencies have resulted in improved ambient air quality in Delhi," said a statement from the Raj Niwas.
The l-G also sought feedback on the directions given in the meeting held on November 25 and its compliance from concerned departments.
He also issued strict instructions regarding enforcement of ban of diesel generator sets and firecrackers, especially during marriages. Graded response action plan, detailing measures to be taken by various agencies in event of air pollution levels reaching different stages of severity was also discussed in the meeting.
It was also decided that the Transport Department will chalk out a plan to promote greater use of public transport. The plan shall be discussed at the next meeting. The PWD said they have procured seven mechanical cleaners which are currently being deployed in Anand Vihar and by December end they would have bought nine more such machines.
Commissioner East MCD said 638 challans have been issued for violation of construction and demolition norms which amounts to Rs52 lakh. "Defaulters have been rechallaned and their information is being sent to NGT for higher penalty. Besides, 149 challans have been issued to building material shops worth 2 lakh rupees. 352 challans have been issued to polluting factories and 13 factories have been sealed," said officials.
Special CP (Traffic) Delhi said 4,3050 vehicles have been checked at the Delhi borders, out of which 8,855 have been turned back. "5,344 vehicles have been challaned for not carrying Pollution Under Control Certificates. 63 vehicles carrying uncovered construction material have been challaned. 62 Diesel vehicles, which are more than 15 years old, have been impounded," said officials.
Also, the Transport Department has issued 1,349 challans for overloading. "2,135 vehicles have been challaned for not carrying Pollution Under Control Certificates and 6,386 vehicles have been challaned for being visibly polluting." The Delhi Pollution Control Committee informed that it has closed 40 Units of polluting factories in Industrial areas and 173 in Redevelopment areas.
Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, highlighted the polluting aspects of using furnace oil and pet-coke as they contain high level of sulphur and requested the GNCTD to explore the possibility of banning use of both these in Delhi.