The Central Pollution Control Board (“CPCB”) has requested the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, State Pollution Control Boards of National Capital Region (“NCR”) States and various Central and State agencies to take effective steps in order to control Air pollution in NCR regions.
Further, the CPCB has urged the public to provide feedback on polluting activities through SAMEER App which may be downloaded from Google Play and App store for android and IOS respectively.
Background
The Indian Meteorological Department predicted that the ventilation conditions are likely to slow down in Delhi causing AQI to be in Very Poor category for coming days. Further, pursuant to Hon’ble NGT Order dated 15th October, 2020 in the matter of Utkarsh Panwar Vs. Central Pollution Control Board, all brick kilns in the NCR are already closed.
The CPCB has deployed 50 teams for field inspections in Delhi and NCR (with special emphasis on hotspots) since 15th of October this year, to assess the ground level scenario and ensure enforcement of mitigation measures for control of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. These teams have been visiting pollution hotspots and other areas in Delhi NCR region and reporting the violations of various guidelines/norms by posting these on the SAMEER App.
In view of deteriorating air quality and increase in activities during New Year celebrations, CPCB had issued an order on 23rd December, 2020 directing Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and State Pollution Control Board (“SPCBs”) in NCR States namely, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to ensure:
1. hot mix plants and stone crushers are closed all the time till 02nd January 2021;
2. frequency of mechanized cleaning of roads and water sprinkling are increased particularly on the road stretches with high dust generation potential;
3. guidelines / standard operating procedures for dust mitigation at construction sites are strictly complied with. In case of violations, strict action to be taken against the violators like imposition of penalty/ temporary stoppage of construction activities;
4. compliance with Orders of Hon’ble Courts and National Green Tribunal regarding ban on the sale and use of firecrackers.
Source: Central Pollution Control Board
