The government is also preparing a “Green Delhi” mobile app, Arvind Kejriwal said.
New Delhi:
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a mega-campaign against air pollution on Monday, saying that polluted air may be life-threatening in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the “Yudh Pradushan ke Virudh” campaign, separate plans have been prepared for each of the 13 pollution hot spots in the city, Kejriwal said during a digital press conference.
“Polluted air can be life-threatening in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both affect the lungs,” he said.
Kejriwal said a “war room” is being set up to monitor all the anti-pollution measures his government is taking.
The government is also preparing a “Green Delhi” mobile application, he said.
“By using it, people can inform us about activities that cause pollution, such as burning garbage or industrial pollution. There will be a deadline to address complaints. I will receive a daily report on resolved and pending complaints,” said the prime minister.
Kejriwal has also instructed concerned departments to fill potholes to reduce dust emissions, which he said is a major contributor to air pollution in the city.
Launch of anti-pollution campaign for a clean and green Delhi | LIVE https://t.co/A3AJOISyf3
– Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 5, 2020
“Crews have been inspecting construction sites to check for dust contamination,” he said.
The prime minister said that one of the main reasons for the high levels of pollution in Delhi and nearby areas is the burning of stubble.
“Scientists at the Agricultural Research Institute of India have found an inexpensive way to tackle the problem. They have come up with a solution that can compost stubble,” he said.
“We will prepare this solution on a large scale starting Tuesday under the supervision of experts from the institute. This solution will be used in Delhi this year. Next year, we will urge other states to use it,” Kejriwal said.
He also said that 11 thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi did not meet the December 2019 deadline to meet the new emission standards. “We closed our two thermal power plants. These 11 plants need to reduce their emissions,” Kejriwal said.
The prime minister said action is also needed against a large number of brick kilns that use outdated technology in nearby areas.
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