Complete anti-pollution works before next winter: LG to agencies

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal directed all the agencies to complete their work for combating air pollution keeping in view the onset of next winter.

He stated that all the agencies should adhere to the time-bound schedule for the various activities identified and also generate awareness among the public on a continuous basis for improving the air quality in Delhi.

Lieutenant-Governor on Monday chaired a meeting at Raj Niwas to review the detailed Action Plan of agencies as well as stakeholders on measures to combat air pollution in Delhi. L-G Baijal announced the launch of 'Clean Air for Delhi' campaign from 10 to 23 February to create awareness among people.

It was further informed that the campaign will be jointly conducted by the Govt of Delhi and the Centre. The L- G advised to prepare a concrete operational plan for the campaign.

The meeting was attended by Minister (Environment & Forest) Imran Hussain, Principal Secretary (Urban Development), Joint Secretary (MOEF), Commissioner (Transport), Secretary (New Delhi Municipal Council), Commissioner South MCD and East DMC, Secretary (Environment & Forest), GNCTD, Special Commissioner (Traffic), Delhi Police and officers from other agencies.

The L-G directed all the local bodies commissioners that the timeline of the various activities be compressed within 8-16 months.

The Environmental Marshals are connected with Sanitation Inspector (SI) of respective MCDs and supervisor officers of DPCC through Whatsapp group.

The L-G directed to increase the number of Environmental Marshals after a thorough review of their performance in the field. It was further informed that action is being taken against polluting industries. Final notification on approved fuels would be issued after 15 February, 2018, and a drive to convert all industrial units from using fossil fuels to PNG has been initiated by DPCC.

Delhi Transport Commissioner briefed the L-G about the draft "Delhi Scrapping of Vehicle Rules 2018" for scrapping of 15-year old vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act and proposal of signing of MOU with MSTC.