To reduce pollution at 13 hotspots, MCD’s plan is to stop open burning

“The winter action plan that is currently under discussion will focus on prevention of crop residue burning, dust pollution, vehicular and industrial emissions, open burning of garbage and regulation in the use of fire-crackers during festivals,” an MCD official said.

Last year during winter, the hotspots located in North and East Delhi were the most polluted in the city; Jahangirpuri was the most polluted neighbourhood followed by Anand Vihar. Meanwhile, according to the Center for Science and Environment Analysis, all other hotspots had shown improvement compared to the average pollution level recorded over the previous three winters except RK Puram.

“The major sources of pollution are different for hotspots, so different action plans will have to be made for each hotspot…the number of smog guns, mechanized road sweeping machines and water sprinklers to be deployed in each hotspot is currently under discussion,” another MCD official said.

Currently, MCD’s nodal offices have been directed to check the illegal dumping of garbage, plastic waste, and C&D waste. The violators will be penalized through challans. “A list of inventories causing high air pollution have been identified and forwarded to all concerned Zonal Deputy Commissioners for necessary action,” the MCD said in its statement to the press.

A Dust Control and Management Cell has been constituted by the civic body, which will take measures based on the advisories of the Commission for Air Quality Management and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The committee will also undertake the maintenance of potholes, and unpaved and broken roads.

According to the MCD, 932 officers and staff have been deployed to keep a check on biomass, open burning and improper waste dumping. Monitoring will be strengthened to stop open burning, use of coal and firewood in hotels and open eateries will also be prohibited.