The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) is gearing up to respond to the notices issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT has sent notices to various State governments across the country seeking a status report by May 1 on the steps being taken to tackle air pollution.
In the notice, some of the common causes of air pollution which require immediate attention were highlighted -- vehicular pollution, construction debris, road dust, biomass burning and industrial pollution.
The TSPCB has shared the notices with various stakeholders in the government like GHMC, RTA, Civil Supplies Department, besides others, to provide their respective initiatives being implemented on air pollution.
“We are already implementing most of the recommendations of the Bhure Lal committee for decreasing air pollution,” informed a senior official of the TSPCB, declining to be identified.
“Since vehicular pollution contributes most to air pollution, we have been focusing on them. Some of our steps include encouraging CNG, keeping a tab on adulteration of fuel, advising government on new pollution standards and others. We will also work towards making the mechanism of issuing pollution certificates for vehicles more fool proof,” said the official
The TSPCB officials are also expected to hold discussions with government officials on how to deal with old vehicles which do not qualify for Bharat Stage (BS) or Euro emission norms.
The TSPCB is expected to compile a status report on air pollution and submit it to the State government in the next few days after which it would be sent to the NGT.
