'Polluted air can be life-threatening amid COVID': Kejriwal launches anti-pollution campaign

NEW DELHI: To help Delhiites breathe easy this winter, the Delhi government will implement a tailor-made strategy for each pollution hotspot to tackle air pollution. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said at the launch of an anti-pollution campaign, ‘Yuddh Pradushan Ke Virudh’, that specific focus will be given to polluting areas.

The emphasis is on regular checking of construction sites to monitor and contain dust pollution. “Our inspection teams will visit construction sites across Delhi and will be empowered to impose heavy fines if these sites are found violating the anti-pollution measures,” said the CM.

In the coming days, various government departments will work on a war footing to control air pollution in 13 areas and will identify pollution generators in hotspots and deal with them individually. “Areas and colonies at 13 locations in Delhi, where the impact of pollution is the maximum, have been identified. The government has done detailed planning for each hotspot to ascertain the reasons for increased pollution. Measures to contain it will now be implemented,” the CM said.

Focus is also on stubble burning, for which the government is preparing an eco-friendly solution. A war room has been set up at Delhi secretariat for monitoring of measures to be implemented. Daily reports will be sent to the CM.

To get more public participation, the government has launched Green Delhi app, where people can upload and post pictures. The government will ensure timely action on the complaint.