New Delhi, October 25, 2016
Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Tuesday reviewed the action being taken by various stakeholder departments and agencies including the Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Police, Licensing Unit, Petroleum & Exposure Safety Organization (PESO), District Magistrates/SDMs etc., to make the ‘Anti-Fire Crackers Campaign’ successful, to control air and noise pollution effectively due to the bursting of fire crackers during the forthcoming Diwali festival.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of Environment Department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) alongwith SDMs of all districts who are the designated authority as per notification under Noise Pollution Rules 2000 and also by Senior Officers of Delhi Police and PESO.
The Delhi Government has constituted 11 District wise teams headed by area SDMs and assisted by Executive Engineers (DPCC) to curb the sale of illegally imported/Chinese fire crackers in the market, which are the main source of spreading toxicity in the air during Diwali.
These teams have been directed to make surprise inspections daily and to take action as per law, against violators found stocking and selling illegal/imported Chinese fire crackers. Delhi Police has also been requested to take necessary action as per provisions of law and also to provide assistance to teams set up by Delhi Government.
The Minister directed the teams of area SDMs, DPCC and Delhi Police to intensify field visits and take stringent actions against the violators.
He also directed District Magistrates and SDMs to increase public awareness among people regarding orders of Supreme Court of India putting complete ban on bursting of sound emitting fire crackers between 10 PM to 6 AM.
Delhi Police informed that they have restricted the number of Licenses for sale of fireworks. DPCC was also directed to check and monitor Ambient Air & Noise levels during pre and Diwali nights.
Hussain directed the Environment Department to set-up control room in DPCC to coordinate with various linked agencies to curb illegal sale of fire crackers and for receipt and monitoring of inspection reports on day-to-day basis.