Close down polluting units by Nov. 13: Chief secretary

To control factors contributing to pollution, Delhi chief secretary Vijay Kumar Dev on Friday directed various implementing agencies to check encroachments on major traffic corridors, remove construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and close down polluting industries by November 13.

The national capital’s air quality again plunged to the “very poor” category because of high humidity. The chief secretary’s directions follow the Supreme Court’s recent orders asking various agencies to control factors contributing to pollution in Delhi such as open dumping of waste, garbage burning, unpaved roads, road dust, and traffic congestion.

After consultations with an apex courtappointed committee, Mr Dev asked the implementing agencies, including Delhi Development Authority (DDA), public works department (PWD), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (DSIIDC), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), New Delhi Municipal Council, and Irrigation and Flood Control Department, to clear C&D waste and garbage from road sides, vacant plots, drains, and Yamuna riverbed by November 13.

In an order to all the agencies, the chief secretary also marked the officers responsible for each task. “In case of noncompliance, the HODs/nodal officers will be held personally responsible and appropriate action will be taken against them,” the order read.

Mr Dev asked the Delhi police to check illegal parking, street hawking, and encroachments on major traffic corridors.