CII launches Clean Air initiative to fight pollution

Expressing concern over pollution in Delhi-NCR, industry body CII today announced the launch of 'Clean Air-Better Life' initiative which will engage business, civil society and government to take "actionable steps" to improve the situation.
The objectives of the initiatives are to develop an integrated approach that brings together policy makers, industry, academia, community and civil society.
It will also build consensus among stakeholders on actions for improving air quality in National Capital Region (NCR).
The initiative will deliver voluntary commitments from stakeholders towards reducing air pollution and influence adherence to existing policies and advocacy towards newer policies.
In a statement, CII said it is "concerned about the severe air pollution in recent days which affected normal activity such as schools, construction activities, and ban on diesel generator sets" and has presented several recommendations on working towards cleaner air.

The industry chamber recommended collecting soil and road dust by vacuum cleaning and use it for filling low-lying areas.

Besides, it said the Government should incentivize use of Happy Seeder to convert rice straw into mulch as fertilizer, suggesting that biomass and agri-waste be used in biomass plants or raw material for pulp and paper industry which will incentivise farmers to reduce burning.
CII said the high excise duty on ethanol may also be reduced and more tenders floated by oil marketing companies to encourage ethanol blended clean fuel.
"Industrial sources of pollution include thermal power plants, foundries, ready-mix concrete plants, and flyash, among others. Commercial establishments and hotels using coal also contribute to air pollution.

"These should be encouraged to switch to cleaner fuels. The construction industry should use water sprinkling, curtains and dust suppression units. Diesel generator set emission norms need to be enforced," the chamber said.