The National Capital Region is stepping on the gas to make the area a cleaner place. Following the example set by Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad will also set up compressed natural gas stations soon fed by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL).
Twenty-two CNG stations have been planned, including six in Noida, two in Greater Noida, 11 in Ghaziabad and 3 in surrounding areas in the district. IGL has assured that at least two stations will become operational by December 31.
Transport Authorities in NCR will conduct a study for switching over to CNG in a time-bound manner.
Addressing media on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Environment) Vinod Malhotra said much needs to be done for a cleaner environment and dangled pollution figures to drive home his point. Khurja pottery industry area tops the list in air pollution with 1500 mg of suspended particulate matter (SPM), Meerut has 711 mg of SPM, Ghaziabad 479 mg and Noida 370 mg of SPM. The permissible limit is 360 mg.
Malhotra said IGL will supply CNG to Khurja potteries and industrial units in NCR area. This would cut down flyash production as coal would no longer be used.
Several steps are also being taken to ensure garbage segregation, waste management, sewage treatment and check industrial pollution, Malhotra said.
Ground work
Tree plantation: A tree plantation drive has been started at Dadri under which 1,000 trees will be planted
Commercial centre: Decks have been cleared for the construction of a commercial hub opposite Centre Stage Mall in sector 18, Noida.
Cultural centre: A Kashmiri Kala Kendra will be built in sector 34 A block of Noida.
