TAP TO UNMUTE

While alert over alarming pollution levels continue in national capital, sources tell TIMES NOW that Delhi Government was warned of pollution levels in the national capital in December 2015.

TIMES NOW has exclusively accessed the 2015 advisory issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Environment Ministry, which listed out areas of concern and the urgency of action.

The Ministry of Environment advisory had issued 42 directions to the Delhi Government to control the pollution in Delhi.

The CPCB directive has 6 sections and immediate action has been warranted for 14 points like launch extensive drive against polluting vehicles, ensure strict action against visibly polluting vehicles and take steps for retrofitting diesel vehicles with particulate filters.

The CPCB advisory has also advised the Delhi Government to control the dust and other emissions, controlling bio-mass burning, industrial air pollution and construction and demolition activities.

The control the pollution in Delhi, the agency has asked the Delhi Government to set-up helpline in states, evolve a system of reporting of garbage burning through mobile based applications, establish standard operating procedures to provide quick response to complaints, promote use of LPG and undertake satellite based monitoring of agricultural waste burning.

A glance at the suggestions that the advisory listed:

CPCB gave 15 specific action points including drive against polluting vehicles

CPCB sought green buffers along traffic corridors to check emissions & dust

Stringent action was recommended against open burning of bio-mass & tyres

CPCB gave directives to Delhi govt for strict against unauthorised brick kilns

Control dust pollution at construction sites through appropriate cover

It is not the first time that the national capital has witnessed such a situation. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today chalked out a plan to cure the smog situation in Delhi, but the question that arises: Did the Delhi government ignore the 2015 precaution issued by the Centre?