The Delhi government today sought the Centre's intervention in directing Punjab and Haryana governments to check crop burning in their respective states, one of the major factors leading to smog in the capital.
Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain today held a meeting with MCD, NDMC, Delhi Cantonment Board, SDMs and tehsildars to discuss the issue of paddy stubble burning and its detrimental effects on the air quality of the capital.
Hussain has written to Union Environment Ministry and requested it to issue directions to Haryana and Punjab governments to stop crop burning in their states.
"We have written to Centre to direct Punjab and Haryana governments to stop crop burning in their states. As pollution doesn't have boundaries, crop burning is a major factor behind the capital being shrouded with smog," he said.
The minister said that they have also written to the neighbouring state governments in this regard.
Hussain said that orders have been given to take strict action against those found burning garbage in the capital, adding that a special anti-pollution drive will be carried out in different parts of the capital.
"We are working with dedication to control pollution in Delhi," he said.
The environment minister's directions come a day after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked him to take up the crop burning issue with Haryana and Punjab governments.
Kejriwal had also asked the Environment department to look for measures to prevent creation of smog in Delhi.
