Ensure no open burning in Capital: Govt to DPCC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government's Environment department has directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to immediately stop any kind of open burning of garbage or waste in the national Capital.

The department also ordered that any person found violating this decision should be penalised.

"Strict vigil should be kept to check any type of open burning in Delhi, so that local contribution to air pollution can be avoided," said Environment minister Imran Hussain. He reviewed the ambient air quality status In view of the ongoing festival season, burning of agricultural residue in neighbouring states, adverse metrological conditions and onset of winter.

"Diwali is just a week away and agricultural residue burning in neighbouring states is continuing unabated. This may impact Delhi's air quality and cumulative effect of the use of firecrackers and emission from other anthropogenic sources may lead to a more deteriorated condition," officials noted.

The minister also directed strict enforcement measures to control emission from construction activities.

"Violators of dust control norms and those found burning waste, plastic or garbage in the open should be penalised," Hussain told DPCC officials. His department would also coordinate with police to keep a check on firecracker ban in Delhi by the Supreme Court.

The minister said that the ban should be maintained and fully enforced in the city. The department will also take measures to control burning of stubble in neighbouring states.

Hussain had already written letters to neighbouring states requesting them to stop crop burning. Officials said that reports of crop burning are becoming frequent, and it is unfortunate that despitel several requests the governments failed to keep it in check.