NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court-appointed watchdog Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Monday submitted reports of violations of environment norms across Delhi to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.
A official statement said, "EPCA chairman presented photographs of violations in terms of open burning and dumping of rubber and plastic waste and dust pollution that was observed during the site visits at Nangloi, Dwarka, Tikri Kalan, Mundka, Peeragarhi, Kamruddin Nagar, Hiran Kudna, Ghewra, etc." Subsequently, Baijal directed the Delhi government and the MCDs to employ more environment marshals.
On Monday, Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the 'very poor' category, with an overall air quality index of 348.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday blamed the Centre, and the governments of Haryana and Punjab for the severe air pollution in Delhi, alleging that they were not ready to do anything against stubble burning, despite all out efforts by the Delhi government.
Stubble burning continues to be a major reason for increase in air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, as residents continue to grapple with several problems due to the deteriorating air quality.
"Pollution was in control in Delhi throughout the year, but this time (winters) every year, Delhi has to face severe pollution condition due to the Centre, BJP-led Haryana and Congress-led Punjab governments. Despite our all-out efforts, they are not ready to do anything. Farmers of these two states are also fed up with their governments," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain conducted surprise inspection at the construction site of a mall behind Netaji Subhash Place.
Officials said that construction material was found spread openly, in violation of dust control norms, and no water sprinkling was being done to settle dust particles.
Hussain ordered strict action against the owner, builder and the project proponent.