Javadekar hails air quality index as PM Modi's 'biggest innovation'

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment Prakash Javadekar on Monday termed the air quality index launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his 'biggest innovation.'

"The Prime Minister has launched air quality index, this is the biggest innovation. During a [recent] discussion, it was said that Delhi's air was getting polluted since 2006 and went on degrading, but unfortunately no discussion took place then, else the air quality would have improved by now," Javadekar told the media here.

Javadekar also said that the air quality has improved considerably since the beginning of the plan.

"Five governments and three municipal corporations together started a three-month long action plan which is still going on. Considerable improvement in the air quality has been recorded. Moreover, we give a bulletin at 5 pm everyday based on eight parameters," he said.

Under the action plan, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issues bulletins on the level of air quality for the 10 cities and strict action will be taken against visibly-polluting vehicles. The regulatory centres issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates in Delhi will come under the scanner of Central Government for strict

compliance of rules and regulations. The index was launched on April 6.