Act against waste burning in open: Delhi govt to civic bodies

Civic bodies have been asked take strict action against the burning of garbage and biomass and also to impose penalty as NGT orders

In view of the alarming levels of pollution, the Delhi government has once again written to all the civic bodies and the DDA to check burning of waste in the open, which it said continues unabated across the city.

Delhi Environment Department has shot off separate letters to the commissioners of the MCDs, NDMC, Delhi Cantonment Board and the DDA among others to take "immediate and strict action" against violators of an NGT order in this regard.

"The reports regarding burning of garbage/leaves are being received. Fires have also been reported at the landfill sites of MCD. As you are aware that pollution levels worsen during the winter. The instructions have already been issued to stop the burning and also impose fines on violators," Delhi Environment Secretary Ashwini Kumar said.

In the letter, dated December 2, he urged the civic bodies to direct their officials in the field to take immediate and strict action against the burning of garbage and biomass and also to impose penalty as NGT orders.

Earlier, in April, all the district Deputy Commissioners were asked by the government to ensure that Sub Divisional Magistrates carry out regular inspections and surprise checks.

The officials had been directed to designate nodal officers, to check such burnings in their respective areas on a regular basis and take necessary action against the violators.

Last month, in two separate letters, Union Environment Secretary and Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) authority, Central Pollution Control Board had raised concern over the same issue.