NEW DELHI: In wake of the deteriorating air quality choking the nation capital especially post Diwali celebrations, Union Environment Minister Anil Dave called for a meeting of the environment ministers of Delhi-NCR states on Monday to take stock of the situation and find a solution to combat the escalating air pollution.
The decision was taken by the Union Minister after attending a high-level meeting called by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Saturday.
“The contribution of crop-burning in the vicinity has increased pollution levels in Delhi. Preliminary study shows that smoke from crop-burning is getting trapped which is affecting the environment,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said after attending the meeting.
Kejriwal further advised that farmers should be incentivized, so that they stop burning the crops which eventually leads to decline in air quality.
On Friday, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed that the Delhi government, the Centre and other officials have been apathetic to the rising air pollution level.
The tribunal reiterated its directive to the Delhi government to stop diesel vehicles of over 10 years old from plying in the national capital and slammed the government for non-compliance.
The NGT has now summoned the environment secretaries of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to present an action plan on November 8, when the panel meets next.