NCRTC Fined Rs 50 Lakh for Violating Anti-Pollution Directives; Arvind Kejriwal to Launch Spraying of Anti-Stubble Burning Solution, Says Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai

New Delhi, October 11: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday said that the Delhi government has imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh against the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for not following the anti-pollution directives of the government. He said that Only one anti-smog gun was found on the NCRTC site and I have directed not to start work until another anti-smog gun is installed. Rai said that Arvind Kejriwal will launch spraying of anti-stubble burning solution from in Ghazipur village on 13th October. He said that so far we have received applications to spray the anti-stubble burning solution on nearly 1500 acres of land.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai today conducted an on-site inspection of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) as part of the anti-dust campaign. "Massive dust pollution is happening here. The guidelines issued by the Delhi Government regarding pollution control are not being followed by the agency, therefore, strict action will be taken against the NCRTC. The NCRTC is already aware that anti-dust operations are being carried out all over Delhi but they are not following the rules completely. I have penalised the NCRTC of Rs 50 lakh. If despite this they continue the violation then the work will be banned." Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality Index in National Capital Continues to Remain Under ‘Poor’ Category With Rise of Pollutants in Atmosphere.

He said, "Anti Dust Campaign is being carried out across the Capital and the teams of Delhi government are inspecting at different places. There are 39 large sites in Delhi, covering an area of more than 20000 square meters where either construction work or demolition work is going on. On the instructions of Delhi government, anti-smog guns have been installed at 33 of these places to prevent dust pollution but 6 anti-smog guns have not yet been installed at 6 sites. Earlier we visited FICCI where the work was going on without notifying the Delhi government. Today we came here because of the same reason. Here the NCRTC has installed only one anti-smog gun but we have directed install another one. Till the time they do not install this the work will not take place."

Rai said, "Our teams and officials are visiting all the hotspots and the places where the demolition works are going on. This is a time of emergency and the Delhi government is focusing on reducing the pollution level right now by putting certain rules and regulations to tackle the local sources of pollution. If the situation worsens in the future then other restrictions will come into play and the government will take a call on restrictions such us odd-even depending on the situation. We will take strict actions against the violators. We have taken action against the FICCI and if they do not follow the norms then more stringent action should be taken. In NCRTC they have partially followed the norms and an anti-smog gun has been installed here and another anti-smog gun is said to be purchased by October 14, but until the second smog gun arrives, we will not allow the construction to begin."

He said, "We have prepared a bio-decomposer with Pusa Research Institute to stop the stubble burning inside Delhi. The solution is now ready and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will start spraying the anti-stubble burning solution on October 13 at Ghazipur village. So far we have received applications to spray the anti-stubble burning solution on nearly 1500 acres of land."