Civic bodies, DDA rapped over pollution
New Delhi, Nov. 21: Multiagency coordination on air pollution continues to elude the national capital with action against open burning of waste and violation of construction norms not showing any substantial jump.
Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain, who reviewed the drive against pollution, rapped the agencies, including the civic bodies and DDA, for not intensifying their action, especially against those indulging in open burning of waste.
However, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s (SDMC) drive against dust pollution has seen an upswing with the bodies imposing 441 and 741 penalties respectively in the last one month.
But there has been next to nil action against open burning of leaves or garbage cutting across agencies, prompting Mr Hussain to express “dissatisfaction” as many have been indulging in such practices.
Special secretary (environment) also directed the department of revenue to counter-check the “nil report” submitted by the DDA. Moreover, the environment department has received only two “action taken” reports from nodal officers of these agencies as against 247 complaints forwarded to them by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal on Monday directed the Delhi government and civic bodies here to inform it about the total quantity of municipal solid waste generated in the national capital daily.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar expressed concern over functioning of waste-to-energy plants in the city and said the authorities should be first clear about the data before proceeding in the case.
“Tell us what is the total quantity of municipal solid waste generated by Delhi? The population has increased over these years but you are still submitting old data. Tell us tomorrow,” the bench said.
It also asked the waste-to-energy plants to plant a green cover around the sites so that the harmful air emanating from it gets trapped and does not enter residential areas.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee told the bench that Okhla plant was operating within stipulated norms and fly ash generated in it is used in manufacturing of bricks.