Comprehensive plan has been developed for abating, controlling air pollution: Govt

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that a comprehensive air plan has been developed identifying the timelines for abating and controlling air pollution.

Replying to calling attention to the situation arising out of the dangerous levels of air pollution in Delhi and other parts of the country, Mr. Javadekar said, Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi-NCR for different levels of pollution.

Mr Javadekar has emphasized that urban forestry, school nurseries and public participation are needed to reduce the air pollution in the country. He added that the government is promoting cleaner alternative fuels like CNG, LPG and ethanol-blended petrol.

The Minister said in the year 2018-19, state governments have supplied over



56 thousand machines to farmers and custom hiring centres for in-situ management of crop residue. Mr Javadekar added that Centre has allocated ten crore rupees for 28 cities in the current year for promoting public awareness.

Mr Javadekar informed that ambient air quality is monitored at 793 locations covering 344 cities 35 states and Union Territories.He said different factors are responsible for air pollution in various cities.

The Minister said, Centre has launched National Action for Clean Air and 122 cities have been identified where the air pollution is above the limit. The Minister listed the measures taken by the NDA Government saying that India has increased its forest cover by 13,000 square kilometres.