HYDERABAD: Unhappy over the pace at which measures to reduce air pollution in the city are implemented, the Supreme Court appointed Environment Protection and Control Authority (EPCA) has set a four-month deadline to the state government on Friday.
Senior officials of various departments were told in no uncertain terms that things would have to be set right by August 31. The EPCA members led by its chairman Bhure Lal and Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain met AP Pollution Control Board member secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari and transport commissioner R M Gonela on Friday. The EPCA got the expected response from officials who pointed out there were several hurdles to meet the deadline. The committee, however, said the deadline will have to be met.
It may be mentioned here that even the Delhi government had cited several excuses to convert transport vehicles to CNG but ultimately with the Supreme Court taking a tough stance, it had to be done. At the review meeting with officials here, the committee has asked the government to submit a revised action plan by April end itself.
"There should be no deviation from the four-month fresh deadline set to check air pollution," they said.
