City Pulse

With the northern belt covered in haze due to stubble-burning by farmers, the central government would shortly issue directions for expediting programmes to improve air quality in the NCR, says Environment Minister, Prakash Javadekar.
"We have decided to issue directions under Section 18 of the Air Act to all agencies concerned to complete programme at the earliest and provide people a clean environment. It will provide a legal force," Javadekar told reporters after chairing a review meeting with environment ministers of NCR (national capital region) states here.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 and amended in 1987 to provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in India.
Javadekar said a control room would be established here to undertake a daily review of air pollution levels and monitor air quality in the NCR.
He said the decision was taken at the meeting in which state ministers from Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi and officials from New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Traffic Police and Uttar Pradesh and Punjab governments were present.
Javadekar said issues taken up at the meeting included burning of stubble or residue of harvested crops, biomass and municipal solid waste; issues related to construction and demolition waste, vehicle pollution and battery-operated vehicles.
The minister also reviewed the one-year action plan submitted by various state governments in July.
He said the meeting would be called after three months to take stock of the progress made in containing pollution.
Meanwhile, Javadekar appealed to citizens, particularly children, to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers. "There is already a declining trend. I appeal to the people to celebrate Diwali without bursting firecrackers. Children are the best ambassadors," he said.