Stubble-burning up in Punjab, Haryana

New Delhi: Union Minister of Environment Prakash Javadekar said stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana increased by 75% and 25%, respectively, in September 2020. The government spent substantial funds to provide 40,000 machines to the states, but these were seldom used. The wind in September-November blew eastward due to which pollution increased in Delhi, he said. TNS

Bill on unauthorised colonies in Delhi

New Delhi: The government introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, which seeks to replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri introduced it in the RS. The unauthorised colonies that existed as on June 1, 2014, and had witnessed 50% development as on January 1, 2015, will be eligible for regularisation. PTI

Average pace of NH construction 28 km/day

New Delhi: The pace of highway construction during April-December 2020, on an average, was 28 km a day amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Parliament was informed on Monday. Total highways constructed across India during the period were 7,767 km, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha. TNS