As AQI rises to 'severe' levels in industrial areas, L-G asks civic bodies to take action
The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) has asked the Delhi government to stop the use of non-permitted fuels in industrial areas and for regular patrolling of these sites to bring down fuel emissions to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR.
The industries, located near Anand Vihar Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) — which was identified as a pollution hotspot in the Capital and in Narela, Bawana, and Badli in outer Delhi — are said to be responsible for the pollution around the Delhi Technological University (DTU).
The air quality index (AQI) readings of these two areas are always found to be high or shoot past 'severe' levels, as overall pollution levels rise. The alarming rise lead to the matter being discussed in a review meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday.
"Anand Vihar is surrounded by two industrial areas — Sahibabad and Patparganj. These industrial areas are using non-approved fuels for running their industries and burn the industrial waste thereafter. Similarly, DTU, where over 2,000 students are enrolled, is located near Badli and Bawana, which have a number of unauthorised, small-time factories and industries. The poor quality fuels used by them go unchecked. Door to door checking and regular on-ground patrolling alone can ensure compliance, resulting in better air," said Bhure Lal, EPCA chairman and former bureaucrat.
According to Lal, the industries running in Badli, Bawana, Narela, and DTU areas causing air pollution by burning waste. "There are around 10,000 rubber units which are in operation and need to be checked. Besides, the Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar is in a bad condition, as there are no pavements or road carpeting in the area," he said.
The L-G has advised the city's environment department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and other agencies to devise a mechanism for door-to-door checking and patrolling in these areas for better enforcement of non-usage of non-permitted fuels.
Though the air quality has improved over the past two days to 'poor' from 'very poor' category because of sun and winds picking up, the fluctuating weather conditions are set to bring back humidity and high level of pollutants.
Being close to the border, Anand Vihar and the Ghazipur slaughter house, have a number of trucks coming in. Moreover, the terminal, with over 3,500 buses going in and out on a daily basis adds to both pollution and congestion.
Meanwhile, regarding traffic arrangement and high pollution levels at Anand Vihar and Kaushambi ISBTs, for which the EPCA had prepared a plan, Baijal has asked the East MCD to look after the sanitation and hygiene issues at both terminals.
"There is a need to set up of urinals at Kaushambi terminal for better hygiene and preventing open defecation.
The L-G has also asked agencies to explore the possibility of multi-modal integration systems at these terminals for better traffic management.
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