Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Monday held a review meeting with various stakeholder departments for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) mandated by the Supreme Court for combating and mitigating air pollution in Delhi in view of the situation post-Diwali and stubble burning in neighbouring States.
The meeting chaired by Hussain witnessed members from all the concerned authorities such as transport, civic agencies, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), power and others.
In meeting, the Environment Minister directed all the municipal corporations and the Public Works Department (PWD) to use technical methods to clean the sweeping of roads to control the dust and dirt caused during the plying of vehicles. "All the departments worked hard to control the level of air pollution during the festival season especially Deepawali but the increasing pollution after the festival is also a matter of concern," said Hussain.
The member secretary of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed the minister that actions are being taken by the agencies concerned including increased frequency of mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling especially in hot spots, stop usage of DG sets, enhancement of parking fees by 3-4 times, increasing the bus and metro services, ban on coal and firewood burning in hotels and eateries, involvement of Resident Welfare Associations for providing electric heaters to security guards to reduce the garbage/ leaf burning and public advisory in the media regarding ill effect of air pollution and to remain indoors
Hussain also directed Industries Department and DSIIDC to ensure compliance of action plan for proper disposal of waste generated by the industrial units especially in Narela and Bawana Industrial areas. The officers concerned informed that night Marshals were deputed to keep a vigil on the incidence of fire burning in industrial areas at night.
The Transport department was also asked to continue enforcement action with more vigour in the coming weeks. Hussain also directed Commissioners of MCD, PWD and Delhi Fire Services for undertaking water sprinkling from high rise buildings especially for settling the suspended dust particles.
The Minister directed all the stakeholder departments and agencies to remain prepared for taking mandated actions under 'very poor' and 'severe or severe plus' categories of air quality index in Delhi.
The Minister also directed the Chief Secretary and Secretary (Environment) to take up the issue of stubble burning with Central Govt. and State Govt. of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for taking effective steps for controlling stubble burning. There is a need to find long lasting solution to this problem.
Hussain also directed Chief Secretary and Secretary (Environment) to take up the matter with Supreme Court empowered Environment Pollution (prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) regarding ban on construction activities, Diesel Gen sets with the neighbouring States.