POLLUTION: GOVT ANNOUNCES MEASURES TO TACKLE SITUATION
NEW DELHI: Air quality of the national Capital has deteriorated considerably with the onset of winter here. The same has been revealed in various post-diwali air quality reports. Concerned with the worsening condition of air quality, the Delhi government on Tuesday reviewed its preparedness of air pollution control measures.
The meeting was called by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia with all the concerned departments to discuss steps to combat it on a “war footing.” During this, Sisodia directed vacuum cleaning of roads and water sprinkling on PWD roads to control dust.
Further for dust control from construction activities, officials were told to take action against construction sites violating dust pollution con- trolling norms. Similarly, the Swachh Delhi app developed by the Urban Development Department is to be also linked with dust complaints from construction sites. The Deputy CM also directed public awareness to be created so that complaints could be sent through this app.
Meanwhile, the horticulture and sanitation departments were told to ensure prohibition of burning of leaves, garbage and others in the open and take strict action against defaulters. Redesign of the DPCC whatsapp helpline No. 9717593574, by analysing last 10 days data with respect to action taken and feedback from implementing agencies have also been directed by Sisodia.
The PWD will explore installation of mist fountain at five important traffic intersections, to start with, namely Mukarba Chowk, Anand Vihar and others. Sisodia also instructed the PWD to explore possibility for installing air purifiers at traffic intersections.
It was learnt that Chief Secretary will take a meeting with the MCDS, NDMC and DPCC regarding green crematorium (on pilot base) for installation of emission control device (chimney, wet scrubber). This should be a joint project of the MCDS and the DPCC. The latter will also monitor the air quality level before and after the pilot project, directed the Deputy Chief Minister. The Delhi government will inspect three landfill sites including Bhalaswa, Okhla and Ghazipur. He directed that immediate steps be taken to control and trap Methane to reduce its emissions in open air. DPCC and DJB will submit a report to the Deputy CM after exploring the use of sludge on the landfill sites. Similarly, the power department was told to initiate process of installation of waste to energy plant at Rajghat power station. Matter is to be taken up with GAIL with respect to controlled burning methane gas and covering of landfill sites with inert material, alum sludge from water treatment plant of DJB. The Deputy CM has decided to take a weekly review of the steps decided in the meeting. Sisodia will also meet officials of concerned departments on a regular basis. The meeting was attended by PWD and Health Minister Satyendar Jain and Environment Minister Imran Hussain, Chief Secretary K K Sharma and senior officials from the Environment, PWD, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Delhi Jal Board.
Earlier on Monday, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s real time monitoring mechanism has revealed that the ultra pollutant PM 2.5 on Monday breached the safe standard by over 14 times at Anand Vihar.