It's not healthy to have depot within city limits: Anumita Roychowdhury
Anumita Roychowdhury, the head of the air pollution and clean transportation programme talks to DNA's Vatsala Shrangi. She throws some light on why Tughlakabad depot should be shifted out of the Capital
What do you think about the demand for shifting of the Tughlakabad ICD?
It is absolutely important to shift the depot not only from the area but out of the Capital city. Why should we have a depot storing hazardous material inside the city, which is already battling air pollution. These depots should be located outside the city with no human habitation in the vicinity. The schools, which are in the vicinity, are at the highest risk. Many students might be facing breathing issues, as when these gases are emitted in the air, it mixes with the oxidants resulting in problems in breathing.
Who do you think is liable for such incidents?
According to me I cannot put a blame on one party. The incident has to be seen in its totality, which makes everyone from the customs, transporters, depot handlers, policy makers and the government liable for any such incidents.
What could be a possible solution to the issue?
The central and State government should take a stand in such matters, which has serious implications on the public health and environment. This is the biggest flaw in Delhi's master plan to allot a place within the city for such activity.