‘Emissions must be curtailed during night time’

NEW DELHI: The Central Pollution Control Board decided to focus on controlling the emissions at the night time when the dispersion of air pollutants is limited.

“We have received the recommendations of EPCA and discussed the matter with the task force. Now the air quality is better so we are not recommending any stringent action on the vehicles but the authorities to focus on the implementation of all the restriction,” said Dr Prashant Gargava.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government clarified that the transport department is ready to implement the odd-even scheme but the prescribed exemptions should be maintained. “We have made the plan of the odd-even with some exemptions and we want to keep those. The government is yet to decide its position on banning of all non-cng cars in the city,” said an official.

However, EPCA members reportedly said that no exemptions on odd-even should be tolerated.

Explaining the situation, a CPCB official said, “The Taskforce meeting was called specifically to discuss the suggestion made by Chairman, EPCA, regarding the ban on private vehicles (except CNG operated). The air quality status was also reviewed. As per IMD forecast, it is expected to improve and remain under ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ category till November 19.

He added that The Task Force earlier had made a number of recommendations including preemptive action regarding the ban of construction activities, industries using coal and biomass (excluding thermal power and waste to energy plants), entry of truck traffic to Delhi, etc.

It has time and again emphasized that implementing agencies must ensure strict enforcement of GRAP and effectively deal with violations. It also appealed to the people to minimise the use of private vehicles and make use of carpool and public transport.

“In view of the above, the Taskforce recommends that strict enforcement by concerned agencies must continue. Emissions must be curtailed during night time when the dispersion of air pollutants is limited. For this, agencies must be on alert and ensure necessary action. Further, it will be worthwhile if the measures already under implementation and suggestions on additional steps are discussed by EPCA,” said the official.