(a) whether the level of pollution has tripled with each passing year in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi;
(b) if so, the steps taken by Government to tackle the alarming situation;
(c) whether the Union Government has issued any direction to the Government of NCT of Delhi to mitigate this situation; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a)
The air pollution levels are decreasing in Delhi-NCR region. The ‘Good’, ‘Satisfactory’ and ‘Moderate’ days in Delhibased on Air Quality Index (AQI) increased to 182 in 2019 in comparison to 108 in 2016 whereas, number of ‘Poor’, ‘Very Poor’ and ‘Severe’ reduced from 246 in 2016 to 183 in 2019.
(b)
Government has taken several steps for mitigation of air pollution such as introduction of BS-VI, expansion of Metro, operationalization of Eastern and Western peripheral expressways, shifting of industries to PNG, waste processing plants, online round the clock monitoring of red category industries, etc. The details of initiatives taken by government to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR region is at Annexure.
While the Government is making concerted efforts to mitigate air pollution, the citizens should also extend support for the following activities such as:
• Renew your Pollution Under Control Certificate timely.
• Avoid idling of engines.
• Plan your errands to reduce travel time and trips.
• Adopt clean modes of transport.
• Prefer cycles/ e-bikes for short trips.
• Adopt public transportation wherever feasible.
• Avoid Congested routes.
• Segregate household waste
• Never burn waste
• Take recyclable waste to collection centres & earn from waste too
• Compost leaves and garden waste
• Avoid vigorous sweeping of leaves in gardens/ parks – use wide rakes
• Dispose e-waste responsibly.
• Adopt green good deeds and encourage others too.
• Use public grievance redressal apps to inform air polluting activities to authorities
• Share about ongoing clean initiatives with others.
(c) and (d)
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued various directions to urban local bodies of Delhi, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Transport Department and construction agencies in Delhi-NCR under Section 5 of The Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. The directions include:
i. Ensure lifting of non- hazardous waste and place monitoring mechanism to stop burning of waste
ii. Stringent actions against illegal industries operating in their jurisdiction
iii. Dumping of waste in open land is solely the responsibility of land owning agencies
iv. Construction waste material must be stored in designated place with all precautionary measures.
v. Strict enforcement of action plans in identified hotspot areas
vi. Ensure approved fuel is being used by industrial units
vii. Actions against unauthorized parking of vehicles especially in congested areas.
viii. Proper implementation of guidelines on dust mitigation measures and sound environment management of C&D wastes, including deployment of dust suppressant and anti- smog guns, where feasible.
ix. Ensure immediate action for complete redressal of Sameer and social media complaints by November 30, 2020
x. Closely monitor actions taken on air polluting activities reported through Sameer App and social media complaints;
xi. Ensure regular surveillance and strict action against illegal industrial activities including tyre pyrolysis, burning of tyre & other wastes and dumping of wastes etc.
xii. To allow only those new Industries establishments which are using cleaner fuel, namely natural gas (PNG/CNG), liquefied petroleum gas, bio gas, propane, butane etc.
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