Environment Minister Asim Ahmed Khan said deputy commissioners of all 11 districts have been told to direct the sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to conduct surprise checks and regular inspections in order to crack down on burning of garbage, plastic and leaves in open areas.

During a meeting to review the measures taken so far to check the growing air pollution in Delhi, Khan told Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia about the new arrangement for surprise checks.

Khan said the environment department has issued a series of directions to top officials of the three municipal corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Development Authority also for checking illegal burning of garbage.

Inspection teams constituted by the DPCC have so far inspected 207 locations across the city and inputs about sensitive locations have been forwarded to the civic agencies and police.

The department is also finalising a series of strict measures against defaulters, including imposition of a hefty fine.

It has been decided conduct an extensive campaign to make citizens aware of the harmful effects of burning of garbage, leaves and plastic in the open, a statement said.

As part of the campaign, the environment department has directed the MCDs, NDMC, DDA and other agencies to put up hoardings near all parks displaying helpline numbers and highlighting the harmful effects of open burning of garbage, leaves and plastic.

It has also been decided to make optimum use of platforms like FM Radio and social media.