'More air quality monitoring systems will be installed in NCR'

The government today said that more air quality monitoring systems will be installed across the National Capital Region to monitor air pollution on eight parameters.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that around 57 polluting industries in Ghaziabad have been kept under constant watch and have been advised to improve their pollution situation.
"Monitoring air pollution should be everywhere and not at one or two places. Now monitoring is being done at 19 places. In its place, soon how to make it at 30 places (was discussed). Every state and agency will establish their air quality monitoring stations," Javadekar said here.

He held a meeting with Ministers and officials of National Capital Region (NCR) to review the situation arising out of air pollution in Delhi airshed area.
"Ghaziabad has taken action against polluting industries. 57 such industries have been kept on constant watch list. They have been advised to improve their pollution situation," he said.
He said that in Rajasthan, 30 brick kilns have been shut down, nine stone crushing units have been issued a showcause notice and action has been taken against 12 other units.

In Punjab, bailer machines are being employed to reduce instances of stubble burning on and off the fields. A suggestion has also been made to Uttar Pradesh government to provide subsidy for bailer machines, he said.

Noting that in Delhi, one lakh vehicles have been challaned, Javadekar said that efforts are also being made to ensure smooth traffic and also to ensure that overloaded vehicles do not enter Delhi.
"Testing of a new PUC checking mechanism is being carried out in Delhi and is likely to be completed by August-end.Under the new system of pollution checking, there is no scope for tampering with the results," he said.
Javadekar said that peoples' participation and the role of media are equally important to spread awareness and bring about an improvement in the air quality of Delhi.
All the state governments and agencies in NCR have decided to work collectively and also involve the citizens to improve the air quality of Delhi and reduce pollution.