New Delhi [India], September 11 (ANI): The Delhi Government has taken decisive motion to fight escalating air pollution ranges by extending the ban on firecrackers throughout the capital metropolis.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai introduced the stringent measures, emphasizing the vital have to safeguard the well being of residents, particularly kids and the aged, from the dangerous results of firecracker emissions. This complete coverage encompasses a prohibition on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and on-line supply of firecrackers, with Minister Rai urging neighboring NCR states to undertake comparable measures to guard Delhi’s air high quality.
Addressing a press convention on Monday within the Delhi secretariat, Gopal Rai mentioned,”Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has brought a comprehensive policy to bring down pollution levels in Delhi. The government is stepping up its preparations this year and in this sequence, the government has imposed a ban on crackers in Delhi this year.”He mentioned that there’s a rise in air pollution throughout winter because of the bursting of firecrackers. The air of Delhi turns into very polluted in winter and it is extremely deadly for kids and the aged. Keeping this in thoughts, the Government has directed a blanket ban on manufacture, storage, sale (together with supply by means of on-line advertising platforms) and bursting of firecrackers.
“In this regard, DPCC has been instructed to issue necessary instructions to all concerned departments. Just as instructions have been given to impose a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi, similarly a ban should be imposed in the NCR states because the firecrackers burst in NCR have an adverseeffect on the air of Delhi,” Minister added.
Highlighting the air pollution surge throughout winters, Minister Rai defined that the air high quality deteriorates considerably, making it crucial to curb firecracker utilization.
He mentioned,”Pollution ranges enhance inside Delhi in winter. From January to August, the common AQI of Delhi has been fairly low. AQI 45 was recorded in Delhi yesterday. But steadily in October, with the rise in winter, the ambiance of Delhi turns into humid and particle matter begins accumulating right here.
In this, the air pollution outdoors Delhi and inside Delhi makes the air right here extra polluted. On 23 October 2018, the Honorable Supreme Court permitted the manufacture and sale of solely inexperienced crackers. But due to the growing downside of air pollution in 2019, on 1st December 2020, the NGT directed to impose an entire ban on all kinds of firecrackers if the AQI is within the poor and above class. Based on that, DPCC had imposed an entire ban on firecrackers in 2021. A whole ban was additionally imposed in 2022 and this 12 months directions have been given to impose an entire ban on all kinds of firecrackers.”He mentioned that with the large success of the Delhi Government’s efforts to curb air pollution up to now 9 years, PM 10 ranges fell by 42 per cent, PM 2.5 by 46 per cent.
To additional refine the Winter Action Plan, an ‘Environmental Experts Meet’ is scheduled on the Delhi Secretariat and the solutions given by specialists will likely be included within the Winter Action Plan.
In the Meet primarily 24 organizations and specialists will likely be concerned similar to CSE, Council of Energy, Environment and Water, Council for Clean Transportation, RMI India, Environmental Defense Fund, UNEP, IIT Delhi and Kanpur, ASAR, Air Pollution Action Group, Climate Trends, Care for Air, Climate works basis, Sustainable Energy Foundation, ORF, CSTEP, WRI, India, GIZ India, forest, C40, Epic India, Clean Air Asia and many others.
Gopal Rai mentioned that on September 14th, a joint assembly involving 28 involved departments will convene to formulate a coordinated motion plan in opposition to air pollution.
“The meeting will include all senior representatives from the Environment Department, DPCC, MCD, NDMC, Cantonment Board, NHAI, Revenue, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Fire Services, DTC, DMRC, DIMTS, Horticulture, DSIIDC, GAD, Power Department, DDA, CPWD, PWD, Traffic Police, Education, Industry, Forest,IFC, UD, DUSIB, Transport Department, and Development Department etc. The major goal of this meeting is to create a coordinated action plan in the fight against Delhi’s pollution. Based on the key points outlined in the Winter Action Plan, specific responsibilities will be given to various departments during the meeting scheduled for September 14,” he added.
Rai additionally emphasised the initiation of a marketing campaign in opposition to firecrackers inside Delhi, involving residents, welfare associations, and environmental teams.
He mentioned, “A campaign against firecrackers will be started inside Delhi. All Delhiites including the Residents Welfare Association (RWA), Paryavaran Mitra and Eco Club will be included in this campaign. Every individual has to make their share of contribution in reducing pollution. We have to understand that we are collectively responsible for the safety of the environment.” (ANI)