New Delhi, Oct 13(UNI) Amid increasing concerns on rising levels of air pollution in the National Capital due to stubble burning, the Central Government on Tuesday expressed its commitment to end air pollution in the country, and said that it has taken various initiatives to curb pollution in the last six years.
‘The Centre believes in working to end pollution. The Government has taken various anti-air pollution initiatives in the last 6 years,’ official sources in the Ministry for Environment and Forests said.
The sources said that construction of Eastern and Western peripheral expressways has reduced pollution by preventing 60000 undestined Heavy Vehicles (trucks) passing through Delhi every day.
The government said that closure of Badarpur Power Plant has directly reduced the pollution. Further, introduction of BS-VI standard compliant vehicles and fuel, with the investment of Rs 65000 crore, has reduced vehicular pollution to a great extent.
The sources said that machines for stubble cutting worth Rs 1400 crore have been provided to Punjab and Haryana farmers, which has resulted in reduction of about 15 per cent and 20 per cent pollution from stubble burning, respectively.
They said that Introduction of zig-zag technology in 2800 brick klins in NCR has resulted in lesser pollution The other measures to end air pollution include bringing 2600 NCR industries on piped natural gas (PNG), Introduction of Construction and Demolition Waste Management rules, for the first time in 2016, which have reduced dust pollution. Three factories produce roadside tiles and dividers from the construction waste.
The government said that three power plants are producing 57 MW of electricity from processing of waste in Delhi. ‘ Hundreds of dust suppressants and water sprinkling vehicles have been provided by DDA. Further , vapour recovery system has been completed in all retail outlets of petrol and diesel in NCR, ‘the sources said.
They said that the government has convened many meetings of Environment Ministers and key officers of NCR states, beginning with meeting of Cabinet Secretary in March.
