Intensify drives to check air pollution: Delhi officials told

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Wednesday directed officials of environment department, municipal corporations, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board to intensify drives to stop open burning menace to check air pollution, an official said.

The minister reviewed the action taken by the municipal corporations as well as SDMs and tehsildars and directed them to increase the vigil in their respective areas especially at odd hours.

"All the agencies were directed to increase inspections in the coming days as the pollution levels are likely to increase on the eve of Diwali as well as burning of agriculture residue in the neighbouring states," a statement said.

The officials of the concerned departments said they have sensitised the people about the banning of burning of leaves, garbage and plastic by National Green Tribunal.

Officials from the civic bodies informed that they have prominently displayed the notice boards in the parks informing the public about the prohibition of burning in open.

Corporations informed that challans have been issued and appropriate fine has also been collected from the violators, the statement said.