Delhi's air quality 'poor'; CPCB asks Delhi, UP, Hry to submit action taken report

Delhi recorded 'poor' air quality on Monday with high wind speed expected to keep the pollution level in check as the CPCB directed the pollution control boards of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to submit an action taken report on the steps taken against violation of norms.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 242 on Tuesday.

An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 'severe'.

In a notice issued on Monday, the CPCB asked Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to apprise it of the action taken to prevent illegal dumping and burning of construction and demolition waste and municipal solid waste.

It has also directed the state boards to apprise it of action taken against operation of illegal industries.

The CPCB also asked the states' pollution boards to apprise it of penalty levied and prosecution filed in court for violations related to construction and demolition activities, pollution control regulations in industries and use of DG (diesel generator) sets, among others.

The DPCC, the HSPCB and the UPPCB have been directed to submit the report for the month of December within a week.

CPCB chairperson S P S Parihar said, "The report shall be followed by submission of a bi-weekly action taken report every Tuesday and Friday to the CPCB."