Lt. Governor Takes Steps to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi
The Lt. Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal held a meeting Monday to review measures taken by various agencies to combat air pollution in Delhi.
This meeting was in continuation to previous meetings on the subject to outline an implementable roadmap and to take action for short term and long term solutions for improving air quality in Delhi.
It was discussed that for mechanical sweeping of roads for dust control, New Delhi Municipal Council is having five machines which are functional and are capable of cleaning major avenue roads of NDMC areas.
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All the three MCDs informed that they will receive the first lot of Mechanical Road Sweepers (MRS) by 15th July, 2017. It was informed that six MRSs are functioning and global tender has been floated for an additional six machines which are expected to be delivered by September 2017.
It has been further informed that last mile connectivity with metro stations shall be improved by employing eco-friendly vehicles by DMRC. It was apprised that 420 additional coaches are under procurement, out of which 56 coaches in Red, Yellow and Blue Lines and all 162 coaches on Green and Violet Lines have already been inducted.
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Remaining 202 coaches will be inducted by December 2017. The Lt. Governor desired that Transport Department and Traffic Police may sit together to decide the type of last mile connectivity vehicles to be allowed and their routes.
Regarding prohibition of open burning of dry leaves, garbage, plastic, etc., it was informed that Municipal Corporations and SDMs are conducting regular checks. Baijal directed to keep a vigil on vulnerable spots.
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Regarding waste management, Municipal Corporations informed that they are in the process of floating tenders for C&D waste plants and waste-to-energy plants. Land issues and other clearances are being pursued with the concerned departments.
Air Pollution menace to be tackled in a multi-pronged manner. Waste-to-wealth initiatives underway. Existing waste mounds to be cleared.
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) June 12, 2017
Regarding dust control at construction sites, it was informed that activities are being regularly monitored to check and minimize emissions.
Lt. Governor noted the various measures being taken in this fight against air pollution. He exhorted all the agencies to follow a time-bound schedule for the activities identified and also generate awareness among the public to bring about an attitudinal change on issues such as construction waste and open air burning of leaves / garbage, so that the community is involved in this fight as much as the government.
