Panel issues directions to check pollution in winter

To keep pollution under control in the coming festival season and winter, the Air Quality Monitoring Committee has decided to set up air pollution control devices at crematoriums, create a green buffer zone around the dumping ground and to check vehicle emission.

The decisions were taken at the 10th meeting of the committee held under the chairmanship of Saurabh Kumar, Director, Environment, UT.

The meeting focused on assessing preparedness for the winter season and evaluating the progress under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The chairman expressed serious concern over the slow pace and lack of seriousness in implementation of several key directives.

The MC officials were directed to immediately submit pending proposals for Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) as well as a report on the plan for installation of air pollution control devices (APCDs) at crematoriums.

The chairman directed all departments to utilise NCAP funds for 2024–25 by September 30, failing which next year’s allocation will be withheld. “The MC, which has received Rs 7.92 crore each in 2024–25 and 2025–26, must fast-track implementation of the programme,” he said.

Joint teams of the CPCC, Traffic Police and Transport Department will conduct checks for vehicle emission compliance.