Smog: UP bans stone crushing units, earthworks in realty projects

Decision taken in the backdrop of worsening air quality over the past few days

Taking serious note of the deteriorating air quality, Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday ordered a closure of stone crushing units and earthworks in large realty projects in the state for the next two days.

The decision was taken in the backdrop of worsening air quality over the past few days.

On Monday, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had taken cognisance of dense smog that had descended over the state capital and other districts. He had asked UP Pollution Control Board and the environment department to look into the phenomenon and take urgent corrective measures.

He had also directed for strict compliance with rules and mechanisms related to pollution.

Chairing a high-level meeting in Lucknow, UP chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar asked officials to ensure closure of stone crushers for the next two days. Besides, earthworks in multistory building projects would also remain suspended for the period.

He said strict action be taken against owners of vehicles causing air pollution. The authorities have been asked to ensure smooth flow of traffic so that traffic jams do not contribute to pollution.

He said officials must ensure garbage was not burnt and measures taken to prevent raking of dust while cleaning of public roads by sprinkling water.

The state would ensure installation of pollution control equipment in industries causing air pollution, besides regular checks for compliance.

Meanwhile, UP Pollution Control Board's chief environment officer S R Sachan claimed air pollution in UP was much less compared to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). He, however, urged traders and general public to refrain from using diesel gensets.

He informed wind speed was gaining momentum in UP and the effects of air pollution would subside in days to come and that there was no reason to panic.

Sachan claimed such conditions routinely arise when temperatures fall and concurrently wind speed also drops.

On Monday, the CM had also directed state officials to ensure remnants of crops were not set afire but disposed of in a pollution-free manner.

Besides, he had underlined his regime's sensitivity towards the environment by referring to the 'Green UP, Clean UP' programme, under which 50 million saplings were planted on a single day in July 2016.

Besides, 50 to 1,000 acres have been identified in all 75 UP districts for plantations to increase forest cover.