Even as multiple departments were in the process of preparing for the implementation of, among other measures aimed at checking air pollution, the odd/even vehicle rationing scheme, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta questioned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s commitment towards the environment.
Terming it a “high-handed” measure, the Rohini legislator alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal-led government was ready to implement the scheme but was not serious about filling up the posts of environment secretary and chairperson, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on a regular and full-time basis.
Ill-equipped depts.
Mr. Gupta questioned how the government would fight pollution with ill-equipped pollution management departments and demanded that it fill up these two crucial posts with “full time, qualified and experienced officers with an environmental background”.
“I am concerned that at a time when the environment issue is becoming so crucial to the health of Delhiites, the city government does not have a full-time DPCC environment secretary and director,” Mr. Gupta said.
“A senior officer, who is CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, is holding both the posts. He has little time at his disposal to deal with environmental issues. I demand the appointment of full-time, exclusive and qualified officers on these two important posts to fight pollution,” he said. Mr. Gupta added that this was “as important as implementing the odd-even scheme”.
