Delhi, neighbouring states should develop common plan to tackle air pollution in winters: Gopal Rai
Rai stated that Delhi would begin developing a "winter action plan" next week and urged Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to put the measures put in place by the national capital to avoid air quality from deteriorating.
FollowDelhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday requested that Delhi and its neighbouring states develop a unified action plan to tackle high levels of air pollution during the winter season. Rai stated that Delhi would begin developing a "winter action plan" next week and urged Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to put the measures put in place by the national capital last year to avoid air quality from deteriorating.
According to sources, he stated last year that they started the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign to reduce automobile pollution. They further established a 'Green War Room' to monitor and coordinate anti-pollution activities. He went on to say that they have also launched an anti-dust programme, which might be repeated in other states' NCR regions.
Also Read | Air pollution may lower life expectancy of 40% Indians by 9 years: Study
Rai stated that a group of delegates would meet with the Union Environment Minister and the Centre's Commission for Air Quality Management to address the need for a coordinated action plan that can be implemented in Delhi and neighbouring states to combat winter air pollution.
Also Read | Don't ply 15-yr-old petrol vehicles, 10-yr-old diesel vehicles, scrap them at authorised centres: Delhi govt
He believes that the usage of the Pusa bio-decomposer should be expanded and accelerated in neighbouring states. The minister said they would discuss with the commission and the Union environment minister the problem of stubble burning in neighbouring states and the steps taken by the Delhi government to solve it. He added that they would take up the issue with the Union minister and the central panel. Rai stated that Delhi tested the Pusa bio decomposer, a microbial solution, to digest stubble into manure and found it effective.
