L-G directs Delhi transport commissioner to discuss use of CNG buses with neighbouring states

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal today instructed the city transport commissioner to hold discussion with neighbouring states on the use of CNG buses, and directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to speed up conversion of fuels to PNG in industrial areas, officials said.

Baijal issued the instructions during a meeting chaired by him at the Raj Niwas to review the issues of traffic management and environment pollution in and around ISBT Anand Vihar where three modes of transport -- bus, metro and railways -- converge.

The meeting was convened by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), a Supreme Court-appointed green panel headed by Bhure Lal.

"The Lt Governor directed Transport Commissioner to take up the matter regarding use of CNG buses with the neighbouring states," a statement issued by the Raj Niwas said.

Baijal also directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to speed up the conversion of fuels to PNG (piped natural gas) in industrial areas, saying, "strict action would be taken against violators".

The meeting was also attended by city Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, Environment Minister Imran Hussain, EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal, and senior officials of the PWD, transport department, Delhi Police, Delhi Jal Board, and representatives from railway and Delhi Metro.

Lal directed the departments concerned to "submit concrete timelines on each activity for air pollution control, which will be monitored by the EPCA".

Special Commissioner (Traffic) informed that traffic police has deployed staff in two shifts (from 7 am-3 pm and 3 pm-11 pm) at all five major choke points on a daily basis.

He apprised that strict action has been taken against unauthorised buses, auto-rickshaws/taxis on the road near Anand Vihar.

Traffic Police has launched prosecution along with the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) with high fines slapped on violators.

The Lt Governor directed the Special Commissioner (Traffic) of Delhi Police to continue the drive and take stringent action against violators.

Baijal also directed the EDMC to start a mass awareness programme to inform public about infrastructural changes being made at the Inter-state Bus Terminus (ISBT), Anand Vihar.

Anand Vihar is one of the most highly-polluted regions in Delhi and often records high levels of both PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants.