CPCB directs 21 states to curb air pollution

Asking 21 states to take action against air pollution within the given deadline, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a total of 31 directions under six different sections.

The order asks the states to form an action plan to check fuel adulteration and public helplines in all towns for air pollution within 30 days and action for non-complying industries within 60 days.

It also sets a 90-day deadline to maintain "pothole free" roads for free-flow of traffic.

The directions were issued in July to 21 polluting states under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The states includes Nagaland, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. The cities of these states where the particulate matter increased over the last five years includes -- Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), Kohima (Nagaland), Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) .

"CPCB in the past made several requests to the state pollution control boards to prepare effective air quality management plans in respect of non-attainment cities and towns, and make efforts to get there plans implemented for improving the air quality," the direction pointed out.

The directions among others includes -- Retrofitting of particulate filters in diesel vehicles, when BS-5 fuel is available and installing remote sensor based Pollution Under Control (PUC) system.

It urges to launch extensive drive against open burning of bio-mass, crop residue and garbage including the burning of Solid waste by the municipalities.

Asking for upgradation in the old polluting industries, the CPCB has asked the states to identify all the brick kilns, check their fuel, close the unauthorised kilns and conversion from natural draft to induction draft.

To mitigate the gaps, the CPCB directed to establish an Air Quality Management Division at state pollution control board's headquarters within 30 days and "interact with it".

--IANS

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