Lok Sabha Question No. 189 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-11-29
Subject: Air Pollution in Delhi NCR
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Bharatiben Dhirubhai Shyal, Sougata Ray

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 189

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.11.2021

## Air Pollution in Delhi NCR

## 189. DR. BHARATIBEN DHIRUBHAI SHIYAL: PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the extent of pollution has increased in Delhi and adjoining areas in November, 2021;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has examined the causes, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken by the Union Government and NCT of Delhi to check the alarming pollution of NCR and Delhi;
- (d) whether the Hon'ble Supreme Court has issued any directions in this regard, if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon; and
- (e) whether the problem of pollution recurs during these days each year, if so, the steps being taken to prevent such reoccurence in future?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

## (a) & (b)

The major sources of air pollution in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas which aggravate during the  winter  due  to  unfavourable  meteorological  conditions  include  industrial  pollution, vehicular  pollution,  dust  from  construction  and  demolition  activities,  road  and  open  areas dust,  biomass  burning,  stubble  burning,  municipal  solid  waste  burning,  fires  in  sanitary landfills etc. The Government has been continuously taking up the matters with various stake holders concerned including the Governments of NCR States namely Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and NCTD as well as Government of Punjab.Source apportionment study has been carried out for Delhi-NCR by TERI-ARAI in the year 2018 which reveals that during winter months,  Industries  contribute  27%  and  30%  toPM10  and  PM2.5  respectively,  Dust  (soil, road, and const.) contributes 25% and 17% to PM10 and PM2.5 respectively, and Transport contributes 24% and 28% to PM10 and PM2.5 respectively.

Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi indicates an improvement in air quality from year 2019 to 2020, as number days in Good, Satisfactory, Moderate category have increased in the year 2020 as compared to year 2019. Air Quality Index of Delhi is placed at Annexure-I.

- (c)  The steps taken to check alarming pollution in NCR and Delhi inter alia include:
-  Constitution of Commission for air quality in NCR & Adjoining Area (CAQM) for improvement of Air quality in NCR Air-shed through enactment of an Act Commission  for  Improvement  of  Air  Quality  in  NCR  &  Adjoining  Area  Act, 2021.
-  Commission  (CAQM) to  ensure  coherent  and  co-ordinated  approach  among  all States  under  NCR  including  Punjab  to  working  in  synergy  with  air  shed management approach for improvement of air quality.
-  As regard crop residue management, Ministry has convened more than 12 meeting with  major  Central  Ministries  and  State    Government  Departments  including Chief Minister and Chief Secretaries with following objectives:
-  To  assess  the  preparedness  to  deal  with  cause  of  air  pollution  in  ensuing winter season
-  To explore the use of Parali as resources in Power plants, fodder and other eco-friendly
-  In-situ bio-decomposition of Parali using proven technology and the a target for the year
-  Installation and functioning of Centralised Control room at M/o Agriculture for  monitoring  the  crop  cutting  and  ex-situ  and  in-situ  of  Parali  and  to prevent its burning
-  Task force to work out mode and means for utilizing the non-basmati Parali in Rajasthan and Gujarat
-  Review  of  preparedness  by  Thermal  Power  Plants  in  NCR  region  by Monastery of Power
-  NTPC and other plants have started using Biomass pallet as supplement to coal fuel
-  Procurement of Biomass pallets for NTPC plants and mandatory raw material sourcing of 50% of paddy straw
-  Daily  review  by  Hon'ble  Minister  EF&CC  and  Secretary-  EF&CC  on  the prevailing status of fire events and Air quality

The detailed stepstaken by Government of NCT of Delhi and Central Pollution Control Board to identify the causes and to reduce air pollutionare given at Annexure II.

(d)    &  (e)  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court  vide  its  order  dated  15.11.2021  directed  for  taking effective  steps  to  control  air  pollution  in  NCR  especially  due  to  construction  activities, industries, transport, thermal power plant etc. and also for considering 'Work from Home' by Central Government and State Governments/GNCTD for their offices in NCR and reviewing the status of action taken through periodical hearing of the matter.

In  compliance  of  the  above  directions,  CAQM  convened  meeting  in  emergent  mode  and direction were issued for taking more stringent steps to effectively control air pollution due to the  above  said  activities.    The  compliance  of  the  directions  of  the  Government  is  being reviewed regularly and Hon'ble Supreme Court has been/is being apprised about the action taken/status of implementation.

Apart from anthropogenic sources, the adverse meteriological condition such as low mixing height, poor ventilation index, low dispersion etc. in air shed of Delhi and its adjoining area is major cause for poor air quality during Oct-Feb months.

ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  (a)  OF  THE  LOK  SABHA  UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 189 DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.11.2021 REGARDING 'AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI  NCR'  BY  DR.  BHARTIBEN  DHIRUBHAI  SHIYAL&PROF.  SOUGATA  RAY, HON'BLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

## Air Quality Index of Metropolitan cities during 2019-2020

| Delhi          | Delhi     |   Delhi | Delhi   |   Delhi |   Delhi |
|----------------|-----------|---------|---------|---------|---------|
| Category       |           |    2019 | 2020    |    2019 |    2020 |
| Good           | (0-50)    |       2 | 5 95    |     182 |     227 |
| Satisfactory   | (51-100)  |      59 |         |     182 |     227 |
| Moderate       | (101-200) |     121 | 127     |     182 |     227 |
| Poor (201-300) |           |     103 | 75 49   |     183 |     139 |
| Very Poor      | (301-400) |      56 |         |     183 |     139 |
| Severe         | (>401)    |      24 | 15      |     183 |     139 |

ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  (c)  OF  THE  LOK  SABHA  UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 189 DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.11.2021 REGARDING 'AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI  NCR'  BY  DR.  BHARTIBEN  DHIRUBHAI  SHIYAL  &  PROF.  SOUGATA  RAY, HON'BLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

## Steps taken by the Central Government to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR

## Steps taken to improve air quality in NCR and adjoining areas

Various steps have been taken for monitoring and management of air quality for reducing air pollution in Delhi including NCR. They are as follows:

1. A Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was promulgated vide ordinance dated 13 July, 2021 in exercise of the powers conferred by  sub-sections  (1),  (2)  and  (3)  of  section  3  of  the  Commission  for  Air  Quality Management  in  National  Capital  Region  and  Adjoining  Areas  Ordinance,  2021  (4  of 2021)  for  better  co-ordination,  research,  identification  and  resolution  of  problems surrounding  the  air  quality  index  and  for  matters  connected  therewith  or  incidental thereto.
2. The  Commission  for  Air  Quality  Management  in  NCR  and  Adjoining  Areas(CAQM) constituted a sub-committee for operationalization of GRAP and issuing necessary orders to the effect , under which regular meetings are held, and Orders are issued under GRAP for mitigation of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. As on date (24.11.2021), 8 meetings have  been  convened  and  5  Orders  issues  (Copy  of  the  Orders  as  well  as  minutes  is available at www.cpcb.nic.in/winter-action-2021-22/).
3. Air Quality Index :  Hon'ble Prime Minister launched Air Quality Index in 2015, which led to greater public awareness and actions to control air pollution.
4. Ambient Air Quality Network : Ambient air quality monitoring network in Delhi NCR strengthened  and  presently  comprises  143  stations  (81  continuous  and  62  manual systems). Larger coverage and better representative data is now available.
5. Air Quality Forecast: Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi is being implemented since October, 2018 in association with Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) which includes information on real time air quality, active fire contribution, and 3-day forecast  along  with  satellite-based  monitoring  of  Air  Quality  through  Aerosol  Optical Depth (AOD) etc.

| State     | Installed   | Installed   | Installed   |
|-----------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|           | Manual      | CAAQM       | Total       |
| Delhi     | 10          | 40          | 50          |
| Haryana   | 23          | 22          | 45          |
| U.P.      | 20          | 17          | 37          |
| Rajasthan | 9           | 2           | 11          |
| Total     | 62          | 81          | 143         |

## 6. Measures for control of vehicular emissions :

- i. Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards since 1st April, 2018 in NCT of Delhi and from 1st April, 2020 for the rest of the country.
- ii. RFID  (radio-frequency identity) system implemented by South Delhi Municipal  Corporation  (SDMC)  for  collection  of  toll  and  Environment Compensation Charges from commercial vehicles entering Delhi.
- iii. Ban on all diesel vehicles older than 10  years  and all  petrol  vehicles  older than 15 years, in Delhi and NCR. (Hon'ble SC order dated 29.10.2018)
- iv. Introduction  of  BS  VI  compliant  vehicles  across  the  country  since  April, 2020.
- v. Department  of  Heavy  Industry  is  providing  subsidy  on  e-vehicles  under Faster  Adoption  and  Manufacture of  (Hybrid  &)  Electric  Vehicles  in  India (FAME -II India) scheme.
- vi. Operationalization  of  Expressways  &  Highways  to  divert  non-destined traffic.

## 7. Measures for control of industrial emission :

- i. Ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil as fuel in NCR States since October 24, 2017 and ban on use of imported pet coke in the country since July 26, 2018, with exception for use in permitted processes.
- ii. Introduction of cleaner / alternate  fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blending.
- iii. Shifting of industries to clean fuel and installation of OCEMS in red category industries in Delhi-NCR is in progress.
- iv. Notification regarding SO2 and NOx emission standards have been issued for Thermal Power Plants.
- v. Promotion  of  policies  such  as  5-10%  use  of  biomass  pellets  with  coal  for power  generation  in  thermal  power  plants  and  10%  ethanol  blending  in transport fuels by 2022.
- vi. Development  of  low  carbon  strategies  across  sectors  such  as  phasing  out older coal based power plants, compliance of standards, City Gas Distribution  (CGD)  network,  emphasis  on  improved  power  reliability  in urban areas, etc.
- vii. Shifting  of  all  operational  brick  kilns  to  zig-zag  technology  in  Delhi  and NCR.
8. Measure for control of Emissions from Construction and Demolition Waste, Solid Waste, Plastic Waste, E- Waste, Biomedical Waste and Hazardous Waste :
- i. Notifications  of  6  Waste  Management  Rules  covering  solid  waste,  plastic waste, e-waste, bio-medical waste, C&D waste and hazardous wastes issued in 2016.
- ii. Bio-mining  of  three  dumpsites  at  Bhalswa,  Okhla  and  Ghazipur  is  being carried out and is under progress.
- iii. Notifications regarding dust mitigation measures for construction and demolition activities have been issued.
- iv. Increased  capacity  of  Construction  &  Demolition  (C&D)  waste  processing units along with notification of C & D Waste Management Rules.
- v. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic and e-waste management.
9. Measures for control of emissions from Firecrackers : Introduction of green crackers with low emission and noise levels. Green Crackers has 30% potential reduction of PM and gaseous emissions compared to conventional firework.

## 10. Measures for control of emissions from Stubble Burning :

- i. Under Central Sector Scheme on 'Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for  in-situ  management  of  Crop  Residue  in  the  States  of  Punjab,  Haryana, Uttar  Pradesh  and  NCT  of  Delhi',  agricultural  machines  and  equipment  for in-situ  crop  residue  management  are  promoted  with  50%  subsidy  to  the individual  farmers  and  80%  subsidy  for  establishment  of  Custom  Hiring Centres.
- ii. Central  Government  had  launched  a  Scheme  'Promotion  of  Agricultural Mechanization  for  In-Situ  Management  of  Crop  Residue  in  the  State  of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh & NCT of Delhi'.
- iii. Sustainable  Alternative  Towards  Affordable  Transportation  (SATAT)  has been  launched  as  an  initiative  to  set  up  Compressed  Bio-Gas  (CBG) production  plants  and  make  CBG  available  in  the  market  for  use  in automotive fuels.
11. Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) - CAP for air pollution control in Delhi  & NCR, with  identified  timelines  for  various  action  points  to  abate  air  pollution,  has  been developed and is being implemented.
12. Ministry is promoting people's participation and awareness building among citizens for environmental  conservation  through  Green  Good  Deeds  that  focus  on  promotion  of cycling,  saving  water  and  electricity,  growing  trees,  proper  maintenance  of  vehicles, following of lane discipline and reducing congestion on roads by car-pooling etc.
13. Extension of UjawalaYojana to ensure shifting to cleaner fuel.
14. Swatcch Bharat Mission and Waste Management initiatives.

## Actions taken for effective air quality management in Delhi - NCR by Central Pollution Control Board

1. Monitoring network has been strengthened in NCR towns as well as India.
2. Installation of Vapour Recovery Systems in more than 3000 petrol pumps in NCR
3. Smog tower at AnandVihar, ISBT is being operated from October 01, 2021 onwards and its performance  will  be  evaluated  by  IIT  Bombay  in  association  with  IIT  Delhi.  Sensors  for particulate matter monitoring have been installed at different locations around the smog tower so as to get an idea of impact/influence of smog tower operation. Monitoring data generated with  help  of  reference/research  grade  instruments  will  be  used  for  giving  final  report  on performance of the tower.
4. A Central  Control  Room  is  operated  by  Central  Pollution  Control  Board  wherein,  hour  to hour tracking of various information such as PM concentrations,  Live  Air Quality Data of Monitoring  stations,  Live  Air  Quality  Index,  Air  Quality  Forecast  in  Delhi-NCR  (Source: SAFAR,  IITM,  Pune)  is  available.  AQI  is  monitored  along  with  other  parameters  and  is published on the website in the form of AQI Bulletin after analysis. The links for the same have  been  made  available  to  CAQM  for  consideration  and  deciding  on  urgent  actions  for control of pollution in Delhi-NCR
5. Deployment ofCPCB teams in the field for strict vigilance and for evaluation of actions taken by  various  concerned  agencies  for  mitigation  of  air  pollutionduring  October  20,  2021to February 28, 2022 in Delhi-NCR towns, with special focus on hotspots and industrial areas. The  teams  will  be  visiting  the  areas  through  a  randomized  process  throughout  the  winter season.
6. Closure of Badarpur Thermal Plant
7. Implementation and revision of emission standards for industrial sectors from time to time.
8. Implementation of new emission norms in thermal power plants.
9. Ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil as fuel in NCR states since October 24, 2017 and ban on use of imported pet coke in the country since July 26, 2018, with exception for use in permitted processes.
10. Shifting of industrial units to PNG.
11. Application of dust  suppressant was explored and advisory has been issued to SPCBs for using dust suppressants in high emission zones.
12. Research projects are being carried out by CPCB in collaboration with premier institutions like  IIT,  NEERI,  etc.  under  Environment  Protection  Charge  (EPC)  funds  which  provide scientific inputs for taking focused action towards improvement in air quality of Delhi NCR.
13. Implementation of Graded Response Action Plan along with development of Comprehensive  Action  Plan  (CAP)  identifying  timelines  and  implementing  agency  for actions identified for prevention, control and mitigation of air pollution in Delhi and NCR has been notified.
14. Deployment of CPCB teams in the field for strict vigilance and for evaluation  of actions taken  by  various  concerned  agencies  for  mitigation  of  air  pollution  during  winters  since 2017 in Delhi-NCR towns.
15. Public Complaints regarding air pollution issues in Delhi NCR (Noida, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad) are taken through 'Sameer App', 'Emails'(aircomplaints.cpcb@gov.in) and 'Social Media Networks' (Facebook and Twitter) and are being forwarded to enforcement agencies for redressal.

## MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY GNCTD TOWARDS AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

## A. WINTER ACTION PLAN 2021-2022

Data analysis of particulate matter in air during the last 5 years was done to categorise the pollution potential of every fortnight during winter 2021-22 in Delhi, and accordingly this year, the Delhi Government has made preparations to fight pollution with the help of all departments and agencies.

Two days  online  round  table  conference  was  organized  on  12 th &  13 th April  2021  on 'Steps  to  be  taken  to  reduce  Air  Pollution  in  Delhi  before  onset  of  winter  2021'with participation of leading academic institutes, researchers, NGOs, civil society, private and government stakeholders to suggest the strategies on improvement of Air Pollution during oncoming winter season.

A panel discussion was organized on 07.09.2021with expert organizations to discuss and receive feedback on the draft Winter Action Plan prepared for the winter season of 2021 on International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

The Winter Action Plan 2021-22 was launched by the Government of NCT of Delhi and is a Comprehensive Action Plan prepared in consultation with all stakeholder departments with  targeted  interventions  incorporating  learnings  from  past  years  and  combining  the essence of previous years' measures, directions of Hon'ble Courts, directions of CAQM, and round table conferences with civil society groups, NGOs, research organizational and educational institutions.

Actions  were  translated  into  dynamic  monitorable  parameters.  These  parameters  are monitored  on  a  daily  basis  to  take  effective  action  and  review  meetings  were  held  by Addl. Chief Secretary, Environment on 21.10.2021, 15.11.2021, 19.11.2021 and by Chief Secretary on design and implementation of Winter Action Plan 2021 on 05.10.2021 and 02.11.2021 and by Hon'ble Minister (Environment), on 14.09.2021, 17.09.2021, 30.09.2021,  22.10.2021,  25.10.2021,  09.11.2021,  15.11.2021  and  by  Hon'ble  Chief Minister, Delhi on 13.11.2021 with all government departments and agencies in Delhi.

The Winter Action Plan 2021-22 focusses on the main pillars of air pollution control i.e., road dust management, C&D site dust control, open burning, vehicular pollution control etc. which needs to be undertaken by government departments / municipal corporations and  daily  action  taken  reports  were  mandated  to  be  submitted  to  Department  of Environment.

The  Government  of  Delhi  also  launched  a 10-point  Winter  Action  Plan from  1st October  2021  till  28th  February  2022,  which  encapsulates  the  targeted  actions,  as reproduced below, that government will undertake during this winter season.

1. Controlling stubble burning
2. Anti-dust campaign
3. Preventing Garbage burning
4. Banning firecrackers
5. Smog Tower
6. Identification and monitoring hotspots
7. Strengthening Green War Room
8. Upgrading Green Delhi App

## 9. E-waste Park

## 10. Controlling pollution from vehicles

## B. ACTION TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT WINTER ACTION PLAN (WAP) 20212022

## i. Road Dust Management

Road  dust  is  one  of  the  major  factors  leading  to  air  pollution  in  Delhi.  Hence  for  the effective control and management of road dust, and our action was focused on measures for  controlling  dust  emission.  Some  of  the  key  highlights  of  action  taken  on  road  dust management are:

- a) 69 Mechanical Road Sweeper (MRS) machines have been deployed across Delhi by road owning agencies. Number of MRS machines increased during the present year is 9.
- b) 372 water sprinklers have been deployed across Delhi for suppressing dust particles on roads and more than 39071kms of road length have been sprinkled during October 2021 till 24 th November, 2021. Average road length covered with water sprinkler per day is 25Km.
- c) Consultations  have  been  held  with  RWAs  for  planning  route  and  timing  of  MRS. Advanced  monthly  calendar  for  MRS  operations  will  be  shared  on  website  of agencies and through Whatsapp groups.
- d) Online real time GPS dashboard for monitoring live operations of MRS.
- e) Regular training sessions for sanitation staff,  on  measures are conducted  for controlling road dust.
- f) Regular site visits and monitoring of MRS operations are being done by concerned engineers and supervisors.
- g) Identification  and  repair  of  roads  by  road  owning  agencies  to  ensure  pothole  free roads  in  Delhi  are  ensured.  Area  of  road  patched  during  October  2021  till  24 th November, 2021 is 17502.79 sq. metres while the area paved is 11513.61sq. metres during the same period.
- h) Greening  of  central  verges  and  road  shoulders  has  been  undertaken.  Area  greened during October 2021 till 24 th November, 2021 is 15537.73sq.m.
- i) Directions  have  been  issued  to  different  local  bodies  to  use  dust  suppressants  on construction sites and dusty patches of the road.

## ii. Construction & Demolition Site Dust Control

Dust emissions from construction and demolition sites (C&D)  is another major contributing factor leading to poor air quality in Delhi. The WAP 2021-22 is focused on enforcement  of  dust  control  norms  of  all  C&D  activities  in  Delhi.  Some  of  the  major highlights are:

- a) The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has recently launched an advanced state of the art web portal for periodic self-assessment by project proponent and site in charges of C&D sites on 01.10.2021.
- b) GNCTD has  deployed  585  enforcement  teams  to  ensure  strict  compliance  of  dust control  norms  as  well  as  to  stop  illegal  C&D  waste  dumping,  for  day  and  night patrolling .
- c) At large C&D sites, anti-smog guns have been installed for dust mitigation measures.
- d) 192 vehicles  have  been  pressed  into  used  for  transporting  C&D  waste  to  recycling plants, and 83410metric tonnes C&D waste has been lifted during October 2021 till 24 th November, 2021
- iii. Anti-Dust  Drive  for  C&  D  sites  (07.10.2021  -  30.10.2021  and  re-launched  on 11.11.2021): C&D waste is considerably a major source of Air pollution in Delhi NCR. The Anti-dust campaign had been organized in the month of October 2021. Under this dust drive campaign, a total of 2508 inspections were carried out. Out of which 406 sites were  found  non-complying  and  accordingly  Show  Cause  notices  were  issued  and Environmental Damage Compensation of Rs 123.5 Lakhs has been imposed. This Antidust  campaign  has  been  again  implemented  from  11.11.2021  keeping  in  view  the worsening AQI during the present month. A total of 13659 inspections were carried out. Out of which 1702 sites were found non-complying and accordingly Show Cause notices were  issued  and  Environmental  Damage  Compensation  of  Rs  385.66  Lakhs  has  been imposed.

Efforts  are  being  made  to  control  dust  pollution  due  to  C&  D  waste  /  malba dumping. Approximate  total C&D  waste  generation in Delhi -  3711  TPD.  04 Construction  and  Demolition  Waste  Processing  /  Recycling  plants  are  functioning  at present  (as  on  31.10.2021)  with  installed  capacity  of  4150  TPD  (Burari-2000  TPD, Shastri Park-1000TPD, Rani Khera-150 TPD and Bakkarwakla- 1000 TPD). Additional 2500  TPD  facilities  proposed  at,  TehkhandOkhla  (1000  TPD),  Ranikhera  (1000  TPD), Libaspur (500 TPD).

## iv. Open Burning Prohibition

Open burning of biomass and solid waste is another significant contributor to air pollution especially during winters. Key highlights of WAP 2021-22 in controlling open burning are:

- a) 550  enforcement  teams  have  been  deployed  for  identification  and  challaning  of biomass  and  solid  waste  burning  incidences.  The  amount  of  garbage  lifted  is 5,00942.46 metric tons during October 2021 till 22 th November, 2021. In November, 5531number  of  inspections  of  garbage  burning  sites  were  conducted.  1154  open burning incidents were  addressed and fires were doused. 1957 notices/  challans for garbage burning were issued.
- b) Plan is in place for controlling fire at landfill sites.24*7 personnel have been deployed and CCTVs have been installed. Fire tenders have been deployed at landfill sites. No landfill fire incident has been reported this year.
- c) 65 trommel machines have been deployed for processing more than 10000 MT waste per day.

## v. Controlling stubble burning

After  successful  demonstration  over  2000  acres  last  year,  PUSA  Bio-Decomposer  is being sprinkled free of cost by Delhi Government in more than 4200 acres of Basmati and non-Basmati fields harvested using combined harvester during this year.

-  Spray  of  Bio-Decomposer  solution  is  being  conducted  at  59  villages  for  844 farmers of Delhi. Till 24/11/2021, Bio-Decomposer Spraying has been completed for 3935.5 acres Paddy.
-  During  2021-22,  two  incidences  of  crop  residue/  stubble  burning  have  been reported in NCT of Delhi on 09/10/2021 and 25/10/2021 at Bankner&BajitpurThakran villages.  Penal  action  has  been  taken  by  concerned SDM.
-  During the CFY 2021-22, 86 applications have been considered for distribution of implements  and  machineries.50,000  Pamphlets  were  distributed  for  awareness among farmers and general public. 45 training programs were conducted and 1725 Posters/  Banner  were  displayed  at  prominent  places  in  NCT  of  Delhi  for awareness.
-  Daily  reports  on  prevention  and  control  of  stubble  burning  (as  per  format)  are being sent regularly to CAQM.

## vi. Vehicular Pollution Control

Vehicular pollution is one of the most significant contributors to air pollution. The WAP 2021-22 provides special focus on targeted enforcement against polluting vehicles. Some of the key highlights are:

- a) More than 6000 vehicles have been checked daily for Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate as part of campaign.
- b) 183  enforcement  teams  have  been  deployed  for  checking  of  vehicles,  and  85057 challans have been issued during October 2021 till 24 th November, 2021.
- c) Targeted action for impounding more than 10-year-old Diesel and 15-year-old Petrol vehicles  is  being  taken  and  982  vehicles  have been  impounded  from  01.10.2021  to 24.11.2021.
- d) 64  traffic congestion  points  to  be  resolved  using  engineering,  regulation,  and enforcement-based strategies.
- e) Traffic alerts are being broadcasted through 44 Variable message  signboards functional with 3G connectivity and through social media platforms - Facebook and Twitter. Action has been taken to ensure that traffic signals are functional and on time repair takes place in case of faults.
- f) Other actions taken:
- i. Publication  of  Public  Notices  in  leading  newspapers  regarding  carrying  of valid PUCC while driving vehicle from 19.09.2021 till now every fortnightly to educate general public.
- ii. Around  30  lakhs  SMSs  were  sent  to  vehicle  owners  to  get  their  vehicle checked  for  PUCC  whose  PUCC  had  expired  or  was  going  to  be  expired within one week.
- iii. From 07.10.2021, 56 enforcement teams were deployed to check and challan the vehicles not having valid PUCC or visibly polluting.
- iv. A drive  to  check  functioning  of  PUCC  centers  situated  in  NCT  region  and strict action initiated against defaulting centers.
- v. As a special drive, enforcement teams have been deployed at 92 Petrol Pumps. Since 15/11/2021360 teams have been deployed at every petrol pump/PUCC centers  for  checking  PUCC  of  vehicles  coming  at  these  petrol  pumps  for filling fuel and persuading the vehicle owner/ driver to get the PUCC issued atattached PUCC centers on these petrol pumps.

## V. Ban on Sale and Bursting of Fire Crackers:

GNCTD banned sale  and  bursting  of  all  kind  of  fire  crackers  in  Delhi.  Directions were issued on 28.09.2021 under section 31 (A) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 for complete ban on sale and bursting of all kind of fire crackers up to 01.01.2022 in NCT of Delhi.

2154 teams have been constituted for the enforcement of direction. Since 29.09.2021 till 24.11.2021,469 cases have been registered and 320 persons have been arrested for bursting  of  firecrackers  and  919.2  kg  of  firecrackers  has  been  seized.  For  selling/ supplying of firecrackers, about 20794.94 kg of firecrackers have been seized while 130  cases  have  been  registered  with  arrest  of  143  persons  during  the  same  period. 2557  meetings  were  conducted  with  RWAs/NGOs  regarding  the  complete  Ban  on Sale & Bursting of all kinds of firecracker and 1231 schools have been contacted to educate the children on the same.