NDMC to adopt 'zero-tolerance' policy on waste burning

Drawing flak from the National Green Tribunal over its failure to check waste burning, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to adopt a 'zero- tolerance' policy on burning of leaves, plastic and garbage in open areas.
"No lenient view will now be taken regarding such incidents. We have decided to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards burning of leaves, plastic or garbage in open areas, and the officials have been instructed about the same," a senior NDMC official said.
"Two teams have been constituted which conduct field inspections and keep a check on such incidents in order to curb air pollution," he said.

Last month, the Tribunal had come down heavily on NDMC over its failure to check burning of nearly one tonne leaves in Lodhi Garden.
Imposing a complete ban on burning of wastes, including garbage, leaves, plastic and crop residues, in the open areas, NGT had said the violators will be fined Rs 5,000.
"The inspection team had last week caught a Meghalaya House staffer who was burning leaves. An FIR was registered against him and the said penalty was also imposed," the official said.
The residents are also being encouraged to register their complaints in the NDMC call centre if they find anyone burning waste in open, and stringent action will be taken against the violator, he said.