Enhanced restriction on movement of commercial vehicles to improve air quality and stricter implementation of the ban on burning leaves here were among the measures announced by Delhi Environment and Forests Minister Asim Ahmed Khan on Friday.
Mr. Khan also appealed to all Delhi MLAs to plant at least 2,000 saplings each in their constituencies to achieve the target of 14 lakh saplings across the city this year as envisaged by the government. He said controlling air pollution in the Capital was one of the top priorities of the Aam Aadmi Party Government.
He was addressing the second edition of Delhi Environment Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to mark the World Environment Day.
“We have a vision to organise a plantation drive where 14 lakh trees across the city can be planted with support from various eco clubs.’’
The Minister noted that the industries based in Delhi must initiate focussed efforts to conserve the environment and recognise the areas that need attention. Mr. Khan said the government had identified the major reasons behind the consistent rise in levels of air pollution and beginning next month, a comprehensive campaign to create awareness against this health menace would be launched in the Capital.
A meeting of agencies, including the civic bodies, DDA, various government departments and PSUs, has been convened on Monday to take forward the campaign to make the Capital green and clean.
To check burning of leaves, Mr. Khan announced that “as per the order of the National Green Tribunal to stop burning of trash and dry leaves in the open, we are empowering tehsildars of revenue departments to take action against the offenders.’’
A helpline number, 9717593574, for registration of complaints in this regard has been announced.
A meeting of the greening agencies, including MCD, DDA, NDMC, various Government departments and PSUs has been convened on Monday
