To monitor air pollution, Delhi govt’s ‘Green War Room’ to function 24X7 from tomorrow

The ‘Green War Room,’ the Delhi government’s command center dedicated to monitoring air pollution and addressing related concerns, is set to operate around the clock starting October 3, as announced by officials on Monday.

Established in 2020, the Green War Room boasts advanced air quality monitoring equipment and a team of experts, including scientists and data analysts. This team monitors all sources contributing to air pollution in Delhi and collaborates with the city administration to implement an effective action plan.

While the Green War Room operates throughout the year, the official statement noted that the 24×7 monitoring will commence from Tuesday onwards.

On Friday, the Delhi government unveiled a comprehensive 15-point action plan to combat air pollution in the capital during the winter season. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, during a press conference, highlighted the plan’s focus on tackling dust pollution, vehicular emissions, and the open burning of garbage.

Kejriwal outlined specific action plans for each of the 13 air pollution hotspots in Delhi, informed by real-time data from 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city. The winter action plan primarily targets preventing crop residue burning, controlling dust pollution, managing vehicular and industrial emissions, regulating firecrackers, promoting tree planting, ensuring effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, addressing e-waste, and fostering collaboration with neighboring states.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized stern action against large construction and demolition sites that violate dust control norms. Additionally, a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the city was announced by Rai.

(With PTI inputs)