All Delhi-NCR potholes to be filled in 72 hours: Minister
What's the story
Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced a major move to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). He said all potholes will be repaired within 72 hours, as they contribute to dust and traffic congestion. The Public Works Department (PWD) will take care of these repairs, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will deploy sprinklers at construction sites.
Pollution control
Industrial units face strict compliance deadlines
Sirsa also warned industrial units contributing to pollution that they must comply with regulations within 20 days or face shutdowns and fines. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently at level two in Delhi, with stricter measures possible under GRAP-4. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will form a committee of experts to recommend ongoing pollution control measures. The committee will include ministers from the Delhi cabinet, representatives from government departments, as well as scientists.
Vehicle regulations
Vehicle restrictions and new pollution control measures announced
In addition to these measures, Sirsa announced that owners of Bharat Stage 2 and Stage 3 vehicles must undergo mandatory 'pollution under control (PUC)' tests. Trucks with engines below BS-4 are banned in Delhi-NCR and will be seized if caught on the roads. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) plans to issue challans to polluting units.
Meeting
Union minister holds review meeting
The announcements came after Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav asked all concerned State/UTs to expedite implementation of all decisions taken in previous meetings to improve air quality. Yadav emphasized the need for high-quality implementation of action plans across all identified categories. The areas included accelerated Road Development and Repair, Dust Control by ensuring end-to-end pavements, Construction and Demolition Waste Management, Industry compliance to Emission Standards, Smart Traffic Management, boosting Public Transport, legacy Solid Waste Management, and Greening of open spaces.