New Measures to Curb Open Burning of Waste in Delhi

The Centre's air quality panel has issued new advisories to curb open burning of municipal solid waste and biomass in Delhi. Despite previous measures, compliance has been poor, prompting the directive for RWAs to provide electric heaters to prevent such practices. The initiative aims to improve air quality during winter.

The Centre's air quality panel has released a new advisory aimed at curbing the open burning of municipal solid waste and biomass in Delhi, a significant source of pollution during winter months. This includes materials like wood and dried leaves.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas issued the advisory, directing the additional chief secretary of the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner to ensure that resident welfare associations (RWAs) provide electric heaters to their security staff and other service workers. This measure is intended to prevent them from resorting to open burning for warmth.

Past reviews indicate non-compliance with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II directives, which specifically require RWAs to equip security personnel with electric heaters. The advisory emphasized that uncontrolled burning of mixed solid waste and biomass not only deteriorates air quality but also poses significant health risks. The Directorate of Urban Local Bodies and municipal bodies have also been advised to disseminate this information widely and monitor its implementation, reporting back to the commission periodically.

(With inputs from agencies.)