Calling air pollution scenario in Delhi ‘serious’ even after the stubble burning season has ended, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, on December 4, pointed out that the Delhi government and the other agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) need to take immediate steps to address the air pollution-related complaints.
The Minister said, “Delhi government and all other agencies should take notice… stubble burning happens for 60-62 days, but after that, the pollution level has to be controlled by NCR itself.”
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), on December 4 following the Minister’s remarks, asked the pollution control boards, municipal corporations and various other agencies of Delhi NCR areas to intensify control measures to curb pollution.
PK Gupta, head of CPCB’s air quality management division, informed the agencies that the AQI is likely to stay in the ‘very poor’ category for the coming few days due to unfavourable meteorological conditions like low wind speed and low temperature.
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In his letter to the various pollution control agencies, Gupta said that feedback from CPCB’s 50 teams clearly states that major sources of pollution are open dumping of garbage, construction and demolition activity, unpaved roads or pits, re-suspension of road dust.
An official from the Government of Delhi stated that there are several pollution control measures including the sprinkling of water on roads, mechanised sweeping, night patrolling and dust control at construction sites are being taken carried by the municipal bodies and other agencies in Delhi.
