Had the State Governments of Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh complied with the advisory issued by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in December 2015, air pollution levels in the Capital won’t have reached such a critical situation. In its advisory, CPCB had warned of severe air pollution levels in the Capital and had listed out areas of concern and the urgency of action.
Interestingly, the Governments are still discussing implementation of these CPCB’s 42 directives under six sections. In the advisory, immediate action has been warranted for 14 points like launch extensive drive against polluting vehicles, ensure strict action against visibly polluting vehicles and steps for retrofitting diesel vehicles with particulate filters.
The instructions issued in December last year covered a range of subjects — including installing weigh-in-motion bridges at Delhi borders to prevent overloading; early alarm systems related to traffic congestion; ban on agricultural waste and stubble burning; actions against open burning of waste; controlling dust pollution at construction sites and others — with an “immediate” implementation deadline.
CPCB has also advised the Delhi Government to control the dust and other emissions, controlling bio-mass burning, industrial air pollution and construction and demolition activities.
The agency has asked the Delhi Government to set up helpline in the States, evolve a system of reporting of garbage burning through mobile-based applications, establish standard operating procedures to provide quick response to complaints, promote use of lPG and undertake satellite based monitoring of agricultural waste burning.
CPCB has given 15 specific action plans, including drive against polluting vehicles. CPCB sought green buffers along traffic corridors to check emissions & dust Stringent action was recommended against open burning of bio-mass & tyres. The agency also asked Governments to take strict action against unauthorised brick kilns and control dust pollution at construction sites through appropriate cover.