Commission for Air Quality reviews situation in Delhi-NCR, identifies 10 measures to reduce pollution

KEY STORY

• New Delhi: The air quality of the national capital was in the ‘severe’ category for the last 4 days as the air quality index (AQI) crossed the 400-mark.

• On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Capital Region and adjoining Areas took stock of the situation and came up with a plan.

• The members of the commission reviewed the steps taken by various agencies and noted further measures that need to be taken to curb pollution levels.

• The commission also stated that further steps in this direction will be taken after consulting various stakeholders.

• Members of the commission emphasised the need to enforce existing laws, rules, guidelines, directions and standard operating procedures to reduce pollution levels at the earliest.

CONCLUSION

• The anti-pollution body stated that participation from the residents is a crucial step that will prove instrumental in reducing air pollution. The commission listed the following measures-

  1. Minimize use of personalized transport to the extent possible

  2. Restrict travel unless absolutely essential

  3. Encourage work from home

  4. Strict enforcement of laws and rules regarding dust control measures including at construction sites

  5. Strict enforcement to prevent burning of municipal solid waste and biomass Intensify water sprinkling particularly in dust prone areas

  6. Intensify water sprinkling particularly in dust prone areas

  7. Use of anti-smog guns at pollution hotspots especially at construction sites

  8. Strict implementation of extant rules, Courts and Tribunal orders regarding stubble burning and use of firecrackers

  9. Seek co-operation from civil society and public-spirited citizens to report air pollution incidents on the Sameer App

  10. Encourage coal using industries in NCR to minimize the use of coal in the coming months