Delhi takes a stand against air pollution: MCD issues Rs 2 crore in fines

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has taken significant steps to address the air pollution crisis in the city. Over the past 17 days, they have issued challans amounting to over Rs 2 crore to individuals engaged in illegal construction and demolition (C&D) activities that violate air pollution regulations under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This proactive approach aims to curb activities contributing to the worsening air quality in Delhi.

To strengthen the enforcement of GRAP regulations, the MCD has deployed a special task force dedicated to monitoring the situation and providing daily reports. The intensified efforts include on-the-ground inspections by teams to identify and penalize those violating construction norms. The MCD has identified open burning of biomass and municipal waste as another major contributor to air pollution, issuing 439 challans related to this activity between November 2 and November 18.

In response to the observed violations, the MCD has halted ongoing construction work that does not comply with regulations and imposed fines accordingly. This direct on-the-ground intervention is crucial in curbing activities that significantly contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the city.

As part of their comprehensive approach, the MCD has implemented various measures to combat dust pollution in hotspot areas. They have installed anti-smog guns, water sprinklers, and jetting machines to address specific pollution sources. A total of 195 water sprinklers and jetting machines, along with 30 anti-smog guns, have been deployed on various roads to abate dust pollution. The frequency of water sprinkler deployment has been increased in hotspot areas, and dust suppressants are being used on dusty roads.

In addition to the MCD’s efforts, the Public Works Department (PWD) has contributed to the initiative by providing 60 anti-smog guns to tackle dust pollution in 13 identified hotspots. These hotspots include areas like Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, Rohini, RK Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar, and Dwarka. The collaboration between the MCD and PWD demonstrates a coordinated approach to address air pollution at specific locations where it is most critical.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has also joined the efforts to combat air pollution by deploying anti-smog guns and sweeping machines across Delhi. This multi-agency approach reflects a collective commitment to mitigating the impact of air pollution on the health and well-being of Delhi’s residents.

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