Delhi L-G discusses air quality issues with CAQM chief
New Delhi, June 1
Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu and Chairperson of Commission for Air Quality Management Rajesh Verma on Monday discussed effective implementation of measures to tackle pollution in Delhi, an official said.
The Lok Niwas, in a statement on X, said, "Shri Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management, called on Hon'ble @LtGovDelhi, @SandhuTaranjitS at @LokNiwasDelhi today."
"They held extensive discussions on mitigating air pollution and strengthening coordinated efforts to improve Delhi's air quality - an urgent priority for safeguarding public health and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the capital," said the statement.
Emphasis was laid on effective implementation of pollution-control measures, inter-agency coordination, and long-term strategies to address environmental challenges across the National Capital Region, it said.
Earlier on May 29, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-I of the extant GRAP schedule across the NCR, with immediate effect.
The CAQM, however, said, "All agencies of the concerned state governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi in the NCR have been advised to ensure strict implementation of all statutory directions, advisories, orders and related instructions issued by the Commission."
The agencies were also advised to implement rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the respective state governments, Pollution Control Boards, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee across all contributing sectors.
These measures were necessary to sustain the improved AQI levels and prevent air quality from slipping into the 'Poor' category, the statement added.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review the situation from time to time to take further appropriate decisions based on air quality in Delhi and forecasts provided by IMD/IITM, it said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see L-G taking this seriously. But we need to address stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana too - that's the elephant in the room every October-November. Also, why is no one talking about the construction dust and vehicle emissions? GRAP stage I being revoked now is fine, but what about peak pollution months?
Meeting in June? That's smart - summer AQI is usually better, but they should be planning for winter right now. Delhiites can't breathe for 4 months every year. Also, odd-even scheme every winter is just a bandaid solution. Need permanent solutions like better public transport and green cover.🌿
Another meeting, another photo op. I'm tired of seeing these statements on X. Where is the action? My son's asthma gets worse every winter. We need strict enforcement on industries, construction sites, and yes, even our own habits like burning garbage. Accountability matters! 😤
The CAQM chairperson call on L-G is a positive step. But this whole inter-agency coordination thing always gets stuck in bureaucracy. Need a single-window system for pollution control measures. Also, let's not forget - Delhi's neighbors like UP and Haryana also need to step up. Air doesn't have borders!🌍
I appreciate the effort, but the real issue is that we're always reactive - GRAP stages, odd-even, emergency measures in winter. Why can't we have proactive long-term plans? More EVs, better roads to reduce traffic, planting native trees that actually survive. Summer is the best time to implement these! 👍
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