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Three Hundred and Sixteenth report on air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region

The Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests submitted its report on ‘Air Pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region’ on August 7, 2018. Key findings and recommendations of the Committee include: Measures taken for mitigating air pollution: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken a number of measures during the last three years to bring down the level of PM2.5 and PM10 (air pollutants). These include: (i) implementing BS-VI fuel standards from April 1, 2018 in Delhi; (ii) launching the National Clean Air Programme for controlling air pollution; (iii) revising standards of SO2 and NO2 for five industrial sectors; and (iv) issuing directions to six regions regarding agriculture crop residue burning in National Capital Region (NCR) states and Punjab. The government of Delhi has undertaken several measures, including a massive plantation drive in the city to address the problem. The Committee acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry and government of Delhi and recommended that in addition to the ongoing efforts, a robust monitoring system should be evolved to ensure that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards are met in the region. This would also minimise the negative impact of air pollution on the health of the residents.

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