Delhi CM launches anti-air pollution campaign, says polluted air can be life threatening in view COVID

New Delhi, October 5

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched a mega anti-air pollution campaign, saying polluted air can be life-threatening in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the campaign “Yudh Pradushan ke Virudh”, separate plans have been prepared for each of the 13 pollution hotspots in the city, Kejriwal said during a digital press conference.

“Polluted air can be life-threatening in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both affect lungs,” he said. Kejriwal added that a “war room” was being set up to monitor all anti-pollution measures being taken by his government.

The government was also preparing a “Green Delhi” mobile application, he said.

“Using it, people can bring pollution-causing activities such as garbage burning or industrial pollution, to our notice. There will be a deadline to address complaints. I will get a daily report about resolved and pending grievances,” the Chief Minister said.

Kejriwal has also issued directions to the departments concerned to fill potholes to reduce dust emissions, which, he said, was a major contributor to air pollution in the city.

Launching the anti-pollution campaign for a clean and green Delhi | LIVE https://t.co/A3AJOISyf3

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 5, 2020

“Teams have been inspecting construction sites to check dust pollution,” he said.

The Chief Minister said one of the major reasons for high levels of pollution in Delhi and nearby areas was stubble burning.

“Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute here have found an economical way to deal with the problem. They have prepared a solution which can turn stubble into manure,” he said.

“We are going to prepare this solution at a large scale from Tuesday under the supervision of experts from the institute. This solution will be used in Delhi this year. Next year, we will urge other states to use it,” Kejriwal said.

He also said as many as 11 thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi had missed the December 2019 deadline to meet new emission norms. “We shut down our two thermal power plants. These 11 plants need to reduce their emissions,” Kejriwal said.

The Chief Minister said action was also needed against a large number of brick kilns using outdated technology in nearby areas. PTI