Delhi prepares summer action plan, Gopal Rai assures immediate implementation

7 months ago 13

Amid the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heatwave warning for Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a summer action plan, assuring its immediate implementation.

Gopal Rai chaired a meeting with officials from 30 departments at the Delhi Secretariat. (File photo)

Pankaj Jain

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 14, 2024 01:13 IST

Amid the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heatwave warning for Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a summer action plan, assuring its immediate implementation.

Rai on Thursday chaired a meeting with officials from 30 departments at the Delhi Secretariat. He outlined strict measures to prevent dust pollution, open burning, and industrial pollution. Additionally, efforts will focus on increasing green cover, developing lakes, and engaging in dialogue with neighboring states.

Rai and senior officials identified 12 key points for action, assigning specific responsibilities to various departments.

1. Sapling Plantation: A meeting with all greening agencies is scheduled for June 18 at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the tree plantation campaign. The Forest Department will lead efforts to increase the city's green cover.

2. Tree Transplantation Policy: Emphasis will be placed on ensuring higher survival rates for transplanted trees. The Forest Department will form a special team to monitor this effort.

3. Dust Pollution: An anti-dust campaign will run from June 15 to June 30. The campaign will deploy 85 Mechanical Road Sweeping (MRS) machines and 276 water sprinklers. A hotspot action plan will address pollution in 13 identified hotspots. Eleven departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), will serve as nodal agencies.

4. Open Burning: A total of 573 patrolling teams will monitor and prevent open burning of garbage, with 235 teams patrolling at night and 338 during the day. Agencies involved have been instructed to prevent fires at landfill sites.

5. Industrial Pollution: Thirty-three teams will monitor illegal dumping of industrial waste in designated areas.

6. Development of City Forests: The creation of three new forests within city limits has been proposed. Additionally, seven city forests will be developed with eco-friendly trails, cycle tracks, bird-watching decks, canopy walks, sitting areas, and interpretive signage.

7. Development of Lakes and Water Bodies: Restoration work will be carried out on 73 water bodies, and the Wetland Authority will assess the conditions of 1,367 lakes.

8. Development of Parks: Financial assistance will be provided to 300 RWAs/NGOs for the development and maintenance of 1,500 parks and gardens in Delhi.

9. E-Waste Eco Park: An e-waste eco park is being built in Delhi to prevent pollution caused by e-waste. The establishment and management of the park will be expedited.

10. Eco Club Activities: Eco clubs are active in 2,000 schools and colleges in Delhi. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in these eco clubs, and a core team of 10-20 eco-club teachers will be formed from the most active schools and colleges.

11. Solid Waste Management: Departments will monitor the management and disposal of municipal solid waste. Bio-mining will be conducted at three dumping sites.

12. Dialogue with Neighboring States: Recognizing that pollution factors from surrounding states impact Delhi, the government will establish dialogue with neighboring states to create a joint action plan to control pollution. Letters will be sent to neighboring states addressing various issues.

Published By:

Vadapalli Nithin Kumar

Published On:

Jun 14, 2024

Article From: www.indiatoday.in
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