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Dikshit dismayed over state of environment
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The Pioneer , Thursday, November 11, 2004 |
Correspondent
: Staff Reporter |
Delhi is woefully short of targets when it comes to protecting its environment. Yamuna flows as dirty as ever and the greenery is not impressive. These facts came to light as Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit took stock of the functioning of Environment Department. Environment Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf, Chief Secretary S Raghunathan, Environment Secretary Naini Jaisheelan, Industries Commissioner Jalaj Srivastava, Special Secretary (Power) Arun Goyal, Principal Secretary (Health) SP Aggarwal, senior officials of Urban Development and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) were present during the review meeting. Expressing unhappiness over the delay in several projects like Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), hazardous waste disposal treatment plant, cleaning of Yamuna under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) - Phase II, poor sewer systems, Ms Dikshit pulled up the officials of the department and DJB. She ordered that the target be met as soon as possible. Though Delhi is supposed to get around Rs 400 crore under the YAP Phase II, the Centre is sidestepping the issue of its clearance. The loan agreement between the Centre and Japanese Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) was signed on March 31, 2003. The Chief Minister asked for revival of the Yamuna and put forth a comprehensive plan before the Government. Ms Dikshit asked the Chief Secretary to take up the issue with the Planning Commission in regard to delay of funds needed for the YAP Phase II. On the growing level of air pollution, Ms Dikshit said that the increasing level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the city and traffic were a cause for worry. While key pollutants carbon monoxide, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels are down, NO2 level is on the rise. On the hazardous waste disposal plant, she directed the CS to convene meetings with Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan etc.
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SOURCE
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The Pioneer, Thursday, November 11, 2004 |
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