Drawing flak from the National Green Tribunal for its failure to check waste burning, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on burning of leaves, plastic and garbage in open areas.
“No lenient view will now be taken regarding such incidents. We have decided to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards burning of leaves, plastic or garbage in open areas, and the officials have been instructed about the same,” a senior NDMC official said.
“Two teams have been constituted which conduct field inspections and keep a check on such incidents in order to curb air pollution,” he said.
Last month, the Tribunal had come down heavily on the NDMC over its failure to check burning of nearly one tonne of leaves in Lodhi Garden. Imposing a complete ban on burning of wastes, including garbage, leaves, plastic and crop residues, in the open areas, the NGT had said violators will be fined Rs.5,000.
The residents are also being encouraged to register their complaints at the NDMC call centre if they find anyone burning waste in the open, and stringent action will be taken against the violator, he said. — PTI
