On October 5, 2020 Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister(CM) launched a mega anti pollution campaign, “Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh” to reduce pollution levels in Delhi. As part of this campaign Delhi government to use a technology developed by Pusa Agriculture Institute in order control the threat of stubble burning.
13 hotspots identified
- In Delhi, 13 pollution hot spots have been identified. Under the campaign separate plans have been prepared for each hotspot as per their respective causes of pollution.
- A new ‘anti-dust campaign’ and a new policy to introduced under which any agency that cut down trees have to plant 80% of them at a new spot.
‘Green Delhi App’ to Launched
CM announced that ‘Green Delhi App’, a photo-based complaint lodging App will be launched shortly to take action against specific pollution activities reported by Delhi citizens.
War Room
In order to monitor all the anti-pollution measures that are being taken by the government a “war room” is being set up.
Other Campaign
To settle dust, especially at construction sites, the government of Delhi has initiated an anti-dust campaign, as a pollution control measure.
Key Info
11 thermal power plants that are within 300 km of Delhi have missed the December 2019 deadline to meet new emission norms. 2 thermal power plants have been shut down.
Solution of IARI
- The Scientists of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) have prepared a solution which can turn stubble into manure, an economical way to tackle the problem of pollution.
- Under the supervision of experts from the institute, this solution is to be prepared at a large scale.
- Delhi to use this solution this year and to urge other states to use it next year.
Additional Info
As announced by the CM of Delhi, a centre is being set up in Kharkhari village in Najafgarh where “bio-decomposer” solution will be prepared in around 400 containers
General Info
i.Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had chaired a virtual meeting on air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. It was attended by Environment Ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and the secretary of environment ministry from Punjab.
ii.To finalise Delhi’s action plan to control air pollution in the coming winter months, Arvind Kejriwal held a high-level meeting.
Note- Suggestion given to Delhi government to focus on pollution hotspots like Bawana, Narela & Mundk among other areas, to boost air quality.
Recent Related News:
i.On July 2, 2020 Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that a 17 day campaign ”Podhe Lagao, Paryavaran Bachao” (Plant Trees, Save Environment) will be launched from July 10 to July 26 from the National Highway(NH) 20 near ITO to reduce air pollution. During the campaign 31 lakh saplings will be planted.
ii.On 6th September 2020, Government of Delhi relaunched the 10-week anti dengue campaign “10 Hafte 10 Baje 10minute” to create awareness on the prevention of the vector borne diseases – dengue and chikungunya among the common people.
About Delhi:
Governor – Anil Baijal
UNESCO Heritage Site- Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Red Fort Complex
