'Graded response' to be implemented in Ggn soon

In order to tackle the deadly air pollution levels of Gurugram, a high-level meeting for implementation of Graded Response was organised in Gurugram on Thursday where several measures were announced to improve the air quality levels.

It was decided that a special cell would be to enforce a ban on burning of waste, receive information regarding improper disposal of construction and demolition (C and D) waste.

For effective monitoring of pollution levels Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Department, Dr. KK Khandelwal, said that the Transport Department was preparing software for auditing and assessment of Pollution under Control Certification System for vehicles.

The official stated that this measure will enable monitoring of all centres where Pollution under Control certificates is issued.

Taking cognisance of the defects in the PUC centres it was announced that a special cell equipped with tools for testing emission levels of vehicles and technical staff would be constituted.

This new project will be financed by Haryana State Pollution Control Board. Apart from this, 19 more continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations would be established in the State to monitor air pollution levels.

Highlighting that public transportation system required an overhaul, the officials also mulled upon possibilities of quick implementation of enhancing the inter-sectoral system and operations of electric buses in the city.

Various measures to curb the pollution levels generated in construction sites were also discussed. The setting of the first C& D plant in village Basai was also raised. The public officials mentioned that even though the setting of the plant was presently stalled due to legal hurdles, they will submit an affidavit citing that the plant is not a wetland as is been claimed by certain environment activists.

Air pollution levels in Gurugram continue to show an upward trend. On certain occasion, Gurugram has even surpassed the pollution levels of Delhi that is one of the most polluted cities in the world