Concern concerning Punjab's management of air quality is expressed by the Center.

  • Oct. 1, 2022, 12:02 p.m.

Expressing "concern and dissatisfaction" over "poor implementation" of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) action plan by Punjab in taking concrete steps on the ground for air quality management, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav today asked the CAQM to invoke statutory powers to take strict action against defaulters.

At a review meeting on measures and actions planned towards abatement of air pollution by stakeholders in the NCR and adjoining areas in the wake of poor air quality conditions generally prevailing during the period between October and January every year, Yadav pointed out that the Punjab government had not planned adequately for the management of almost 5.75 million tonnes of stubble.

"It is a huge gap and is likely to have an adverse impact on the air quality in Delhi and the NCR region," he said. Officials said states have been directed to closely monitor and implement the action plan submitted to the CAQM.

The CAQM chairman also emphasised the need for time-bound implementation of the action plan, "particularly by Punjab," they added.

The Environment Secretary urged Punjab to take proactive steps to expand bio-decomposer coverage, "especially since a very marginal increase in bio-decomposer coverage has been proposed from 7500 acres in 2021 to merely 8000 acres in 2022."

Yadav impressed upon key sectors that contribute to air pollution and are critical in the ensuing three-to-four month period. He emphasised that sources of air pollution such as stubble-burning, open biomass/municipal solid waste burning, industrial emissions and particulate matter/dust emissions from construction/demolition activities and roads/open areas were directed to be focused for concerted preventive and mitigative actions, "officials said.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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