Ready To Impose Lockdown To Control Pollution If It’s Mandated For Entire NCR: Delhi Govt

TPI Staff November 15, 2021

90 1 minute read

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Mumbai: Delhi government said it’s ready to impose a complete lockdown to control local emissions if the same is mandated for the entire NCR by the Centre or by Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas.

In the affidavit, the Delhi government listed the measures to bring down pollution and pointed out that clamping a lockdown in the city would be “meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states”.

The top court had on November 13 directed the Center and the Delhi government to take emergency steps to improve the air quality of the city. Describing the situation as an “emergency”, the court had suggested that the executive should impose a two-day lockdown, if necessary, to deal with the situation.

The Delhi government, in its response today, stated that it is “ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control the local emissions.

However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across NCR areas in neighbouring states. Given Delhi’s compact size, a lockdown would have limited impact on the air quality regime.”

“In view of the above, we are ready to consider this step if it is mandated by the Government of India or the Air Quality Management Commission in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas for the entire NCR regions,” read the Delhi government’s affidavit.

The government affidavit lists the various measures implemented so far and the steps to be taken to tackle the problem of pollution. Continuous real-time air quality monitoring, Comprehensive action plan, smog tower installation, control of pollutants at the source level, anti-smog gun usage, deployment of CNG and e-buses for public transport and monetization of agri-waste are among the measures taken by the Delhi government to curb air pollution.

The Delhi government further apprised the apex court of its 10-point ‘Winter Action Plan’, launched in October this year. The plan focuses on the usage of Pusa bio-decomposer, dust control and checking vehicular emissions and waste burning.