MCD’S clean air plan to cut down pollution

NEWDELHI: To cut down air pollution in the city, the civic bodies have prepared area-wise comprehensive action plan that would be implemented in the next eight to 10 months.

The step has been taken in compliance with the direction of ministry of environment and forests and ministry of housing and urban affairs.

The plan includes taking steps to stop large-scale unauthorised dumping of construction and demolition waste on public land, making arrangements to clear garbage and silt lying on major road sides and paving or greening of all unpaved areas till October end. It also suggests engaging enough machinery for sweeping of roads and deploying water sprinklers at public places and neighbourhoods where mechanised sweeping is not possible in similar time period.

The North, East and South Delhi Municipal Corporations and New Delhi Municipal Council have also mentioned the deadlines for accomplishing these tasks.

“Till last year, we had graded response action plan for emergency situation but no comprehensive plan for rest of the months. In February 2017, the apex court had directed the Environment Pollution Control Board to hold meetings with neighbouring NCR states and all stakeholders to prepare one common plan,” said Usman Nasim, senior researcher with the Centre for Science and Research.

“In December, the court again pointed out that there was no deadline given for projects in the action plan. This lead to another round of meetings with all stakeholders by the Union ministries.the best part about this plan is that responsibilities for doing various jobs and their deadlines have been fixed,” he said

The plan will help control the sudden rise i n pollution levels post Diwali, as per municipal official.