Helpless in curbing pollution: Haryana minister on toxic NCR air

Haryana Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh on Thursday said his government was aware of rising air pollution in districts adjoining national capital, but was currently helpless and would seek the Centre’s help in working out a long-term solution. He said he would soon meet Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in this regard.

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The statement came as Delhi and its adjoining areas, mainly Gurugram and Faridabad, continued to breathe an inordinately polluted air.

Narbir said, “Given the air pollution levels in Gurugram, the city will see an exodus of people and corporate houses. We are taking steps to provide immediate relief to the city residents, but there is a need for a permanent solution. We have no roadmap or experts for the same.”

He said he had already issued orders for zero tolerance towards GRAP violations. “While short-term measures like enforcing curbs, deploying smog guns and initiating enforcement drives are in place, the NCR needs much more than that, including a blanket ban on stubble burning,” he said.

“Stubble burning in other states and even in some parts of Haryana contributes majorly to smog, which the NCR districts have to battle every winter. We are not blaming anyone and believe rather than politicising the issue, we need to find effective solutions collectively. Stubble burning will have to stop completely. We are giving subsidies to farmers and creating awareness to curb it and expect Punjab to do the same,” Narbir said, adding he would urge the Centre form a panel of climate experts and urban planners to work out a solution. “NCR cities require a unified plan involving steps to deal with vehicular emissions, dust pollution through construction activity and reducing green cover. We need a scientific and practical plan,” the minister added.