Environment secy to meet Punjab, Haryana chief secys over pollution

New Delhi, November 18

The Union Environment Secretary has called a high-level meeting on Monday with the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the severe air pollution in these northern states.

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CK Mishra, also called senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Power and Ministry of Agriculture for the meeting.

The meeting is scheduled after a parliamentary standing committee meeting on November 15, to discuss the rising levels of air pollution in the national capital, was postponed as most participants, including East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir and civic officials, were absent. Out of 29 members in the committee, only four were present, according to sources.

“Amongst other agenda items related to tackling the issue of air pollution, the meeting is called for monitoring the measures that are currently under way. In light of the coming winter season, the meeting will also discuss the additional measures required to reduce the severity of air pollution,” an official statement said.

Officials of Ministry of Home Affairs will also be present, who will put forth measures required for more effective traffic management, which is another factor aggravating the problem of air pollution.

“The meeting will also be attended by municipal commissioners of NDMC, SDMC, EDMC, etc. District collectors of Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida will also participate via video-conferencing,” the statement added. IANS