Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav expressed worry about high levels of PM10 and solid waste management issues in certain NCR cities in Haryana. He reviewed Action Plans for Rohtak, Manesar, Panipat, and Karnal to combat air pollution and planned a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to address these issues.
Yadav pledged early funding and approvals for pollution control schemes, emphasizing the inclusion of all NCR cities in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) framework. He instructed the compilation of comprehensive data on industries with and without Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).
During the review, the Minister ordered the collection of data on CTO/CTE permissions, total commercial electricity connections, and industrial units with GST registration by all District Magistrates/District Collectors in NCR. This data will help identify illegally operating and non-compliant industrial units, especially concerning OCEMS and Air Pollution Control Device (APCD) installations.
Yadav also emphasized the need to increase the number of automated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) integrated with the SAMEER App for real-time air quality monitoring. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness among stakeholders to combat pollution effectively.
The Minister suggested providing smaller municipal corporations with appropriately sized commercial electric vehicles for public transport and stressed the use of EV/CNG-based Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) and handheld litter pickers. He directed the plantation of local bush varieties in open spaces and on pavements, along with immediate repair of potholes to control dust.
Additionally, directives were given to submit short-term and long-term smart traffic management plans for all reviewed cities to alleviate congestion and reduce vehicular emissions.
