In a significant development Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has made Home Minister Satyender Jain coordinating Minister for all issues relating to air pollution. The environment portfolio is being held by Imran Hussain.
The development is being seen as a move to bolster the Delhi’ Government’s anti-pollution campaign, said sources, adding that following which Jain on Tuesday met Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and sought Centre’s cooperation for effective implementation of the odd-even registration number private vehicle formula in the Capital.
"Chief Minister is pleased to designate Satyendra Jain, Minister in charge (Home, Power, Industries, Public Works Department, and Health) as coordinating Minister for all issues relating to air pollution. Orders and directions given by Satyendra Jain in this behalf shall be binding on all Departments of the Delhi Government," the order said.
“This is very surprising that Imran has been kept out of the loop from implementation of even and odd vehicle formula. The question is why he was given the department of environment if the Minister was not involved in air pollution strategy,” said officials, adding that they would now report to Jain pertaining to air pollution.
Some strongly felt that Imran was not able to handle the issue effectively. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is holding 12 departments while both Gopal Rai and Jain are holding six departments each.
After the meeting, Jain said the Union Minister supported the AAP Government’s even-odd formula and assured Centre’s help in implementing it.