Open garbage burning to get you in trouble

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Sunday directed the deputy commissioners of all the 11 districts in the Capital to conduct surprise checks and inspections to stop burning of garbage, plastic and leaves in open spaces.

Environment minister Asim Ahmed Khan in a meeting informed deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia about the measures taken so far to check the growing air pollution.

The government has made available a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) WhatsApp helpline number - 9717593574 on which complaints about the burning of garbage, waste material and leaves can be sent.

“The government is concerned about the rising pollution in Delhi. But just as we were working on a solution, the NGT sent the order. We will request the NGT in writing for another hearing,” said Gopal Rai, Delhi government’s transport minister.

The environment department has also issued a series of directions to the deputy commissioners, officials from the three municipal corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council, Public Works Department, Central Public Works Department, Delhi Development Authority, DPCC and Delhi Parks and Gardens Society.

The environment department is also finalising a series of strict measures against defaulters, including imposition of a hefty fine.

Meanwhile, special commissioner of transport department Sanjay Kumar Saxena wrote a letter to Delhi Police’s Deepak Misra, special commissioner (law and order), to deploy additional officers at all entry points of the city to check the age, weight and emission of the vehicles crossing the borders. WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES