The Central Government on Wednesday issued directions to all agencies falling under Delhi airshed area under Section 18 of the Air Act 1981 to control air pollution and improve the ambient air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The directions have been issued to the state governments of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said the directions to control vehicular emissions included immediate action against visibly polluting vehicles, carrying out checks of overloaded vehicles, ensuring no parking in non-designated areas, decongestion of pathways, promoting battery-operated vehicles and considering introduction of flexi/staggered timings to minimise peak movement of vehicles.
The minister said mechanised sweeping of roads would be introduced to control dust on the roads, adding that to control air pollution from construction and demolition activities, municipal agencies have been asked to undertake water sprinkling and putting up curtains and barriers.
He pointed out that to control air pollution arising from biomas burning, the ban on burning of agriculture waste and crop residues would be strictly enforced.
"Directions have also been issued to ensure strict action against unauthorised brick kilns in an effort to control air pollution caused by industries," said Javadekar.
