The Delhi government has directed the deputy commissioners of all 11 districts in the Capital to conduct surprise checks and regular inspections to crack down on garbage, plastic and leaves being burnt in open spaces.
The Department of Environment has informed Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia about the decision after a review meeting concerning the rising levels of air pollution in the city. The department has issued a set of directions to deputy commissioners apart from top officials of the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, PWD, CPWD, DDA, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Parks and Garden Society.
Inspection teams constituted by the DPCC have inspected 207 locations across the Capital so far, after which inputs were forwarded to the respective municipal corporations and the Delhi Police to prevent any instance of garbage, leaves and plastic being burnt in open spaces.
"The environment department is finalising a series of strict measures against defaulters, including imposition of a hefty fine," a senior government official told MAIL TODAY. Any complaint against burning of garbage can be sent on DPCC's WhattsApp helpline number 9717593574 and Facebook users can also drop their views on the committee's Facebook page.
"The complaints received by the pollution control committe are being forwarded to the concerned local bodies or Delhi Police for appropriate action. It has been decided to conduct an extensive campaign across the Capital to make citizens aware about the harmful effects of garbage being burnt in the open," the official added.
