App to control air pollution launched

The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), a Supreme Court-appointed pollution watchdog, on Friday launched a mobile app "Hawa Badlo", aiming to improve air quality with public participation.

Jointly developed by EPCA, Delhi's municipal corporations and concerned departments from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, the app provides a public platform to report the incidents causing air pollution. The complaints will be forwarded by EPCA to the concerned officials.

"The app aims at an inclusive participation of citizens in reporting incidences of leaf and garbage burning, building and construction dust and unpaved road dust, and thereby makes them part of the city's fight to curb toxic air pollution," said EPCA Chairperson Bhure Lal.

The app will also facilitates the concerned officials to help resolve cases related to air-pollution and then upload the GPS tagged evidences of results such as photo and copy of the challan.

"The app is expected to act as an accountability, public information dissemination and public engagement mechanism," said Sunita Narain, member EPCA and head Centre for Science and Environment.

The app will also generate weekly reports on the status of the cases and action taken. This information will be submitted to the Supreme Court on actions taken in compliance with its orders.

The Supreme Court in December 16, 2015 had given specific directions on construction and road dust and garbage burning.

--IANS

kd/pgh/dg