LG meets govt officials to review plan to fight pollution

Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today held a high-level meeting with government officials to discuss the 'graded action plan' to deal with air pollution and directed the police to strictly enforce ban on diesel generator sets and firecrackers in the city especially during weddings.
As part of the graded action plan, Jung has directed transport department to chalk out a detailed plan to promote greater use of public transport.
The Public Works Department (PWD) informed the LG that they have procured seven mechanical cleaners which are currently being deployed in Anand Vihar and by December end they would have bought nine more such machines.

The move comes two days after the Supreme Court accorded its nod to the Centre's grade response action plan to tackle different levels of pollution.
The meeting was attended by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Environment Minister Imran Hussain, Chief Secretary, Special Commissioner (Police) and senior officials from the departments concerned. In the past, three such meetings have been held on tackling air pollution.
In the meeting, the LG said the actions taken so far have resulted in improved ambient air quality in Delhi and that continued efforts were needed to overcome the challenge.

"Lt Governor issued strict instructions regarding enforcement of ban on diesel generator sets and firecrackers, especially during marriages and asked the Delhi Police to take strict action against the offenders.

"It was also decided that the Transport Department will chalk out a plan to promote greater use of public transport. The plan shall be discussed at the next meeting," the LG's office said in a statement.
In the meeting, Special CP (Traffic) informed that 43,050 vehicles have been checked at the Delhi borders, out of which 8855 have been turned back.
5344 vehicles have been challaned for not carrying Pollution Under Control Certificates. 63 vehicles carrying uncovered construction material have been challaned. 62 Diesel vehicles, which are more than 15 years old, have been impounded.
Transport department has also issued 1349 challans for overloading. 2135 vehicles have been challaned for not carrying Pollution Under Control Certificates and 6386 vehicles have been challaned for being visibly polluting.

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed that it has closed 40 Units of polluting factories in Industrial areas and 173 in Redevelopment areas.
Commissioner of East MCD informed that 638 challans have been issued for violation of construction/demolition norms which amounts to 52 Lakh rupees.
Defaulters have been rechallaned and their information is being sent to NGT for higher penalty. Besides, 149 challans have been issued to building material shops worth 2 lakh rupees. 352 challans have been issued to polluting factories and 13 factories have been sealed.