While the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) delayed the launch of its Winter Action Plan to combat air pollution this year, the city Government sought active participation of stakeholders and invited their suggestions on Thursday.
The suggestion for an action plan can be sent to greenwarroom@gmail.com within two days.
As per the schedule, the action plan was about to launch on September 30 however it was delayed as the nodal agency DPCC sought changes.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the Delhi Government will promote public participation and he will meet RWAs, NGOs and Ecoclubs.
Rai said, “All the studies regarding the pollution problem in Delhi are pointing out two factors. First is the vehicular pollution, dust pollution and biomass burning within Delhi. And the second one is the pollution that is coming from outside. Today we talked to the Resident Welfare Associations, Eco Clubs and various other environmental and social groups. We discussed how despite the Delhi Government bringing in rules, regulations and policies to curb pollution, the pollution is still being created. We have discussed how to stop Delhi from pollution."
He explained further, "A basic example is how people take multiple trips to the markets to buy groceries and household items. The solution is to go to the market once a week and get all your stuff. We discussed how people react to such ideas and how social groups are working to curb pollution."
He said, "Most of the people supported the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign. Another suggestion came up that the RWAs should organise carpooling. We will also work on issuing guidelines to the RWAs, NGOs and construction agencies and other agencies who employ workers, especially the ones working at night like security guards to provide them with heaters so that they do not burn wood and other biomass to stay warm. Subsequently, a suggestion came up to make WhatsApp groups of RWAs so that the message of controlling pollution could be promoted in people of Delhi. Also, the Resident Welfare Associations are showing interest in organising workshops for increasing awareness."