Delhi Govt to take up crop burning with Punjab and Haryana

New Delhi, Nov 3: Delhi government has decided to take up the issue of crop burning and its detrimental effects on the air quality of the National Capital, which has remained "poor" over the last few days, with the governments of Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed Environment Minister Imran Hussain to raise this issue, which is a major factor behind the capital being shrouded with smog.

The development comes on a day the Punjab Pollution Control Board directed its staff to take action against farmers involved in the illegal practice of paddy stubble burning which, it said, is posing serious threat to the environment and health of people.

Kejriwal has also asked the Environment department to look for measures to prevent the creation of smog and has convened a meeting of all concerned departments and organisations tomorrow to deliberate on "effective steps" in controlling air pollution.

The meeting would be attended by representatives from the DDA, NDMC, all three MCDs, Delhi Cantonment Board, Delhi Parks and Garden Society, Deputy Commissioners (Revenue) of all districts, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Information Technology Department.

"The department of environment will review measures in place for prohibition of burning any kind of garbage, leaves, waste, plastic, rubber, self-moulding compound and such other material in the open," an official said.

PTI