EPCA directs 4 states to curb open waste, stubble burning practices

CHANDIGARH: With the aim of controlling high levels of pollution that engulf the National Capital during the winter season, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) has directed 4 states to contain air pollution arising from open garbage burning. The order was sent to the chief secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. This was done after reports suggested that a majority of the pollution in Delhi is caused by air pollutants from neighboring states. According to the report, crop burning and open garbage burning were two of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi.

The EPCA has also sought dates from each one of them to enable it to hold meetings with them in their respective state over the action plan prepared to combat garbage burning. The authority has also noted that these states are under watch for stubble burning as well.

Delhi, since 2016, has noticed some of the highest levels of pollution in the world. The Centre and State Government have constantly tried various methods to curb pollution. Experts are of the opinion that smoke emanating from these fires mix with the atmosphere gases such as nitrogen oxide, methane and ammonia and create highly polluted smog, which remains suspended for days together. This causes respiratory problems besides other serious health ailments to residents.