lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung on Monday directed the Delhi Government to start a process of deregistering 15-year-old diesel vehicles in the city and also imposed a ban on use of fire crackers except for religious functions to curb air pollution.
Jung on Monday chaired a high-level meeting attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Environment Minister Imran Hussain and representatives from other agencies. Environmental experts Sunita Narain and Anumita Roy from Centre for Science and Environment and Prof. Manju Mohan from Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi also participated.
The decision would be reviewed on November 15.
The decision will apply to about two lakh diesel vehicles on Delhi roads. "Directions have been issued to all registering authorities/MlOs to start deregistration of diesel vehicles which are more than 15 years old in a phased manner from Monday. This will bring about a reduction of 2 lakh diesel vehicles on the roads in Delhi," the l-G office said in a statement.
It is noted that the Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi Government's regional transport office to deregister all 15-year-old diesel vehicles first and such vehicles will not get No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for plying outside Delhi-NCR.
"Strict enforcement of ban on construction/demolition activities will be in place from November 7 to 14. Municipal authorities and the Delhi Police will ensure its strict implementation and prosecute violators," the statement said.
Besides, ban on construction and demolition activities will continue till November 14 and overloaded non-destined trucks will not be allowed in the city.
The l-G has also issued strict action against polluting industries running in Delhi particularly in non-conforming areas and directed the MCD and the Delhi Police to jointly launch operations to shut down all such industries.
The move comes a day after Kejriwal announced closure of all schools till Wednesday, ban on construction and demolition activities for next five days and temporary closure of Badarpur Power Plant.
Jung said all authorities concerned must come together on a war footing while assigning responsibilities to various agencies for strict implementation of decisions. The MCD has been asked to take all measures to control fire in landfill sites, particularly Bhalaswa. They will be doing so by using PWD construction and demolition malba and sludge generated by water treatment plants of DJB.
Delhi Transport Department and police have been directed not to allow entry of overloaded trucks and non-destined trucks in the city entering from Rajasthan, UP, Haryana etc with immediate effect.
Transport Department and Delhi Police will check PUC certificates and take strictest action against violators. Smoke meters will also be installed at all borders. Strict enforcement, including penalty, will be in place for burning dry leaves, garbage, tyres, plastic etc in the open.
Agencies concerned will intensify the drive and take action against violators. A roster of officers in charge will be drawn out and action against officers found negligent during enforcement shall be initiated.