No instance of crop burning in Delhi, govt tells green panel

DPCC asked to verify statement, file affidavit within a week

The Delhi government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that there is no need for an action plan pertaining to crop burning since no such incident has been reported.

Advisories issued

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government told the Bench headed by NGT Acting Chairperson Jawad Rahim that authorities had been issuing advisories to ensure prevention of any instances of crop burning in the Capital.

Future need

“The incident of crop burning is not a problem in Delhi. It is further submitted that no such incidence is being reported by any of the District Magistrates of NCT of Delhi. Accordingly, as of date, there appears to be no requirement for framing of any policy with regard to crop residue,” the State government said in an affidavit.

“In case of any fire incident occurring and after learning about the cause of the same, appropriate policy or guidelines will be framed without delay in future,” read the affidavit.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been asked to verify the statement and file an affidavit within a week.

Earlier, in a bid to curb air pollution, the green panel had directed Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to file action plans pertaining to collection and management of stubble.