Taking serious note of the rising pollution in the city, the Delhi Government has decided to fast-track the implementation of National Green Tribunal’s orders.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Environment Minister Asim Ahmed Khan on Friday reviewed the action taken by SDMs for prevention of burning of leaves, garbage and plastic in the open with specific reference to the number of inspections carried out by them and details of parks falling in their respective jurisdictions. Sisodia also emphasised that the efforts for enforcement of orders of the NGT need to be speeded up which are in the best interests of health and safety of the citizens of the city and that violators should not be spared and should be strictly proceeded against.
During the meeting, air pollution caused by dust from construction activity was also discussed. The SDMs informed that they have started the inspection of the sites/parks. Sisodia directed them that all out efforts were required, including more inspections, for preventing the instances of burning in open spaces. The Deputy CM also expressed concern that the three Municipal Corporations, which cover majority of the areas of Delhi have still not made serious efforts in preventing burning and recovery of compensation since majority of parks fall in their jurisdiction.
The Environment Department informed that DPCC is responsible for checking emission of dust from the construction activities at the sites having more than 20,000 sq. m built-up area. DPCC has so far issued notice/guidelines to 172 owners/builders for violating the norms for controlling of dust. For construction on the sites for the built-up area less than 20,000 sq. m, it was informed that Municipal Corporations are responsible for checking the same.
For action against the violators of releasing dust during the construction activity, Deputy Chief Minister directed all the SDMs to visit the sites falling in their jurisdiction from the list of 172 sites to which DPCC has also issued notice/guidelines.
NGT had issued specific directions for ban of leaves, garbage, plastic etc. in the open and had also directed the various land owning agencies as well as State Government to impose and recover compensation from the violators. It had also directed for provision of pits in the parks for proper composting of leaves and prevention of dust due to construction activities.