Delhi govt tells depts to take anti-pollution steps

NEW DELHI: Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Wednesday directed various departments to take strict measures against dust and other pollution emissions in the national Capital, ahead of the winters and festive season. The city witnessed severe air pollution in the past two years, particularly in the winters.

During a meeting, Hussain directed all departments to be ready with anti-pollution measures. He directed them to take measures for prevention and control of road dust/re-suspension of dust and other emissions, said an official statement. The Minister also directed the officials to ensure that all construction sites adhere to Waste Rules 2016.

"No construction material should be kept out in the open. Regular sprinkling of water at all construction sites must be done. All high-rise buildings should have water sprinkling arrangement for dust suppression. Strict action against violators should immediately be initiated by authorities," the Minister said.

He also directed Transport Department officials and traffic policemen to deploy more staff to act against overloaded vehicles and vehicles carrying uncovered construction material, the statement said.

The Minister also stressed the need to stop the entry of non-destined vehicles in Delhi as Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways have become operational, it added.

"Municipal corporations were also directed to explore the feasibility of water sprinkling in inner lanes of the colony before sweeping as a lot of dust is created from manual sweeping of roads. The meeting was attended by the Secretary (Environment), Member Secretary (DPCC) and Director (Environment).