Mr. Hussain had convened a meeting of the municipal corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Cantonment Board, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and officials of the environment department. As per the National Green Tribunal’s order, anyone who burns green waste, garbage, or any other materials out in the open is liable for a Rs. 5,000 fine.

Though the municipal corporations have been issuing challans, officials said there was a need to strengthen the response to burning of waste, which is adding to the already poor air quality.

Mr. Hussain directed the SDMs, who are also empowered to issue fines, to step up their vigil, especially at odd hours. All agencies concerned were asked to increase the number of inspections with Diwali approaching and the ash from burning of agricultural waste in neighbouring States making its way to Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Minister flagged off a ‘Say No to Firecrackers’ campaign at Bal Bhavan Public School in Mayur Vihar Phase-II. About 1,500 students took part in the rally and pledged to stay away from firecrackers and encourage others to do so too. Also, on Wednesday, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) held a meeting of all stakeholders to find ways to implement the environment compensation charge. The Supreme Court had ordered the toll tax contractor to collect the ECC of Rs. 700 or Rs. 1,300 from commercial vehicles entering Delhi from November 1. The contractor has failed to do so, citing various operational issues.

On Wednesday, a response was prepared to the concessionaire’s plea and would be sent to it by Thursday morning by the municipal corporations, said Environment and Forest Secretary Ashwani Kumar.