Tighten noose on polluting sources: EPCA to Haryana

With the Graded Response Action Plan for ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories of air pollution scheduled to come into force for the first time from October 17, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has directed the Haryana government to step up its vigil in its NCR districts to control air pollution.

“The EPCA chairman has asked us to tighten the noose on four sectors – stubble burning in farms, pollution from construction and demolition industry, vehicular emissions and fire cracker industries,” said a senior official of the Haryana state pollution control board.

A meeting chaired by EPCA chairman Bhure Lal was held at Gurgaon in Haryana on Wednesday. It was attended by top brass of the Haryana government.

HT has already reported that stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab is going on in full swing. Haryana’s pollution control board was directed to increase patrolling in villages. Patrol teams have to submit fortnightly report to EPCA.

“Pollution during this time of the year primarily depends on ground level activities and meteorological factors,” said D Saha head of the air quality lab at Central Pollution Control Board.