New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said the ban on entry of trucks, except CNG-powered vehicles, e-trucks and vehicles engaged in essential services, will continue till further orders in view of the possibility of further worsening of the air quality situation in the national capital. Will stay
Rai also told reporters after meeting the officials of the departments concerned that the government would review the ban on construction and demolition activities on December 16. The minister said the education department has sent a proposal to the environment department, seeking reopening of schools and coaching centers for students of class six and above. He said the education department has suggested reopening of schools from December 20 for children of class V and below.
Rai said the proposal would be sent to the Air Quality Management Commission, as the apex court has left the decision on reopening of schools and colleges to it. He said several agencies have made verbal requests to lift the ban on construction and demolition activities. Rai said, “We have directed him, us and CAQM to send an application. We will hold a review meeting in this regard on December 16.”
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The minister said Delhi’s air quality index ranged from 250 to 325 from December 1 to December 12, but experts have predicted a slight decline in the air quality in the next three days. Rai said that water sprinkling drive will continue to control dust pollution and necessary instructions have been issued to the fire department, municipal bodies and other departments. As part of the anti-dust campaign, 6,953 sites have been inspected and a fine of Rs 1.65 crore has been imposed for violations at 597 sites.
Rai said 16,580 sites have been investigated and a fine of Rs 46 lakh has been imposed for violations at 2,490 sites as part of the drive against burning of fire. The Environment Department has received 6,975 pollution-related complaints on the Green Delhi application since October, of which 81 per cent have been resolved. The Minister said that maximum number of complaints have been received from the South Delhi Municipal Corporation area. Around 19.50 lakh pollution control certificates have been checked and 49,000 vehicles have been challaned in the capital. (agency)