NCR roads face 72hr war on pollution

The Union Government on Wednesday directed cities in the National Capital Region to repair potholes within 72 hours, control dust, manage traffic hotspots and take action against those responsible for debris on roads. Potholes kick up a lot of dust and also slows down traffic, leading to more fuel burn and wastage. The cumulative effect is huge.

Each stakeholder was also asked to prepare detailed Annual Action Plans for the coming year, to control pollution generation at source, during a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. The year-long roadmaps would ensure proactive planning toward improving air quality in the NCR.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa who attended the review meeting, later said the Centre has issued strict, time-bound directions to all NCR cities to control dust, repair potholes within 72 hours, and take action against debris on roads.