Delhi govt to launch anti-open burning campaign to combat pollution: Rai

New Delhi, Nov 5 (Agency) Delhi Government will launch an anti-open burning campaign in the national capital for one month, starting from tomorrow, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday.“Under this campaign, 588 patrolling teams from relevant departments will be deployed. These teams will monitor and prevent open burning incidents around the clock in Delhi,” he said.“Due to the increase in cold and decrease in wind speed, Delhi and nearby states have recorded an AQI between 300 and 400,” Rai highlighted adding that according to scientists, temperatures are rapidly dropping, and wind speed has significantly decreased.

The next ten days are expected to be challenging for Delhi.“Therefore, a review meeting was called at the Delhi Secretariat today regarding the actions taken by all related departments against pollution,” he said.The meeting reviewed the work done by the departments following the announcement of the Winter Action Plan and discussed preparations ahead.Officials from the Environment Department, DPCC, MCD, NDMC, DDA, Revenue Department, Jal Board, Development Department, Delhi Police, DTC, I&FC, PWD, and other departments attended this meeting.During the meeting, Rai discussed 21 points of the Winter Action Plan with officials from various departments. The departments were also instructed on implementing GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan).