Centre steps in to curb air pollution in Delhi, NCR; lists steps to be taken immediately by neighbouring states

New Delhi: With pollution levels in the national capital rising to an alarming level, the Centre has stepped in and directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to take immediate steps to tackle the menace. The Centre had sought action against "visibly polluting vehicles", mechanised sweeping of roads, creation of green buffers along highways and effective disposal of construction debris to control dust.

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said the directions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act have been issued to Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Javadekar said that while mechanised sweeping of roads will be introduced to control dust, municipal agencies have been asked to undertake sprinkling of water and putting up of curtains to control air pollution from construction and demolition activities.

"We have issued specific directions. There has to be immediate action on visibly polluting vehicles, check the over-loaded transport vehicles as it causes pollution, weighing machines should be immediately installed at the entry points, no parking on non-designated areas should be allowed, stringent action against bio-mass burning, immediate stoppage of unauthorised brick kilns," Javadekar said.

Coming down hard on pollution emanating from construction and transportation of debris, Javadekar said, "Directions have also been issued to ensure strict action against unauthorized brick kilns in an effort to control air pollution caused by industries."

Immediate action also include preventing parking of vehicles in the non-designated areas, introduction of early alarm system for benefit of commuters related to traffic congestion on major routes for route diversion, considering introducing plan for flexi/staggered timings to minimise peak movement of vehicles on the road, taking steps for retrofitting of diesel vehicles with particulate filters.

The Centre also asked the states to create green buffers along traffic corridors.

Control of Vehicular Emissions:

Control of Road Dust/Re-suspension of dust and other fugitive emission:

Control of Air Pollution from Bio-Mass Burning:

Control of Industrial Air Pollution

Control of Air Pollution from Construction and Demolition Activities:

Other Steps to Control Air Pollution: