Taking cognisance on the emergency situation because of worsening of Delhi’s air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain asked civic agencies to come forward with action plan. On Tuesday, while hosting a review meeting the Minister offered financial assistance from the Air Ambience Fund (AAF) to Municipal Corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) if these agencies approach the Delhi Government with viable action plans for air pollution control. The Minister also directed agencies to crack down on local factors affecting air quality.
The State owned pollution monitoring agency Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) also has activated WhatsApp numbers to register complaints of open burning of leaves and other waste causing air pollution.
Review meeting was attended by Department of Revenue, PWD, Transport, three MCDs, NDMC, DDA, Delhi Cantonment Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Traffic Police.
Hussian also reviewed action taken by various agencies/departments assigned with the responsibility of prohibition of burning in the open and prevention of dust at construction sites.
During the meeting, Officers of the Environment Department and DPCC informed that metrological conditions — low temperatures, low wind speed and high moisture are causing smog conditions in Delhi presently.
He also directed Municipal Corporations to prevent stocking of building material along the roads and in open areas especially in unauthorised colonies as the building materials also is responsible for air pollution in Delhi.