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Ghaziabad Fights Smog: Action Against Dust, Burning
15 Oct
Summary
- Ghaziabad orders curbs on construction dust and open burning.
- Nine pollution hotspots identified for targeted anti-smog measures.
- Government agencies to implement Graded Response Action Plan directives.
Ghaziabad is gearing up to tackle its worsening air quality with a comprehensive anti-pollution drive ahead of the upcoming smog season. District magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar has issued directives to various government bodies, including the municipal corporation and development authority, to prepare and execute action plans targeting major pollution sources.
The focus areas for these new measures are construction dust, open burning of waste and wood, and emissions from end-of-life vehicles. Additionally, the use of coal- and wood-fired tandoors in commercial kitchens is under scrutiny. These efforts are particularly concentrated in nine identified pollution hotspots known for high levels of vehicular emissions and dust.
Construction agencies are mandated to implement dust suppression techniques, such as water sprinkling and deploying anti-smog guns at sites measuring 500 square metres or larger. Road cleaning with water sprinkling will occur at night in busy areas. Measures are also in place to discourage open burning for warmth, with resident welfare associations urged to provide electric heaters to security guards.
Furthermore, the transport department will enforce regulations against older vehicles. Diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old, with specific exemptions for electric and CNG models, will face action. Commercial kitchens must transition from coal and wood tandoors to cleaner alternatives like PNG or LPG to reduce cooking emissions.
