LG, EPCA hold meet to take stock of pollution control measures

NEW DELHI Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Protection Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) on Monday instructed the Delhi government and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to expedite the process of shifting to non-polluting fuel in industrial areas by September 30.

"The work of converting industries to PNG as a fuel in all industrial areas is going on including Patparganj, Jhilmil and Friends Colony industrial area," said an official.

At a meeting headed by Baijal and attended by several EPCA members, the Delhi Police informed that traffic police staff have been deployed at all five major choking points on a daily basis.

EPCA chairman Bhure Lal said that the posted officials should be present throughout the day, and further directed the Uttar Pradesh Police also to make similar arrangements.

The SC-appointed body also instructed Northern Railways to finalise its work by constructing a second approach road at the earliest.

The Delhi Transport Department was instructed to complete RFID and rotary work at the earliest. Lal also noted that construction of a toilet complex has been completed by Department.

On the discussion of encroachment, an official said that the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) has claimed to have removed all unauthorised encroachments, except some that have obtained restraint orders from the Delhi High Court.

Further, the EDMC stated it has constructed toilets or urinals or bathrooms, which are being operated and maintained by Sulabh International, the official added.

Baijal, meanwhile, also directed all government agencies to prepare for the winter, so that air pollution is contained in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the EPCA chairman asked the agencies to expedite work on the ground and also reviewed the progress on improvement works related to Anand Vihar ISBT area, as well as air pollution status in Jhilmil, Sahibabad and Ghaziabad industrial area and waste disposal problem of Narela and Bawana industrial area.