Two schools warned for not covering construction debris
A day after the Gautam Budh Nagar administration issued a 10-point advisory to tackle rising pollution, other departments too sprung into action to clear up the air on Monday. However, the day dawned with better visibility, a first since Diwali a week ago.
A day after the Gautam Budh Nagar administration issued a 10-point advisory to tackle rising pollution, other departments too sprung into action to clear up the air on Monday. However, the day dawned with better visibility, a first since Diwali a week ago.
On Sunday, the district magistrate had issued an advisory listing out a number of steps, including sprinkling of water on streets to keep the dust from flying and a seven-day ban on mining and earth moving work at construction sites. The Noida Authority on Monday issued warnings to two schools to keep their construction material covered.
“Our building cell inspected the city on Monday and found that construction material was lying in the open at two private schools in Sector 51 and 71. We did not find any other private construction site doing any earth moving work,” said Saumya Srivastava, deputy chief executive officer, Noida Authority.
He added that these two schools were issued a warning and asked to cover the material with a green tarpaulin, in accordance with norms issued by the national green tribunal.
“Sprinklers were used on all major roads and at construction sites — both of the government and private entities. Mechanical sweeping in the morning and evening was intensified at construction sites in the city,” he said.
The authority also asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to follow the orders.
“The DMRC was asked to sprinkle water at their construction sites in Sector 78 and also use green cover to prevent dust from blowing,” Srivastava said.
The DM had also asked residents’ welfare associations (RWA) to keep residents away from outdoor activities and to also check garbage burning.
“We have communicated to all members and RWAs of our federation to reduce the use of diesel generators, report any garbage burning instance. residents have been to avoid outdoor activities,” said AN Dhawan, secretary general, Federation of Noida RWA.
The transport department launched a drive to check vehicles and pollution testing centres on Monday. Additional road transport officer (Noida) Rachna Yaduvanshi said the department has already blocked renewal of permits and sale/purchase of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old.
“Four of our teams checked 16 pollution checking centres to ensure that the machines are working perfectly. No discrepancy was found at any of the centres,” Yaduvanshi said.
“Over 126 vehicles, mostly privately owned petrol cars, were found flouting norms and were penalised for not having pollution control certificates,” Yaduvanshi said.
“Vehicle owners should get the pollution certificates as soon as possible. If found plying without one, a fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed on the owner,” she said.