Stop farm fires, Central Pollution Control Board tells Punjab, Haryana

New Delhi, November 11

Expecting an increase in pollution levels during the festive season, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) today asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to take immediate stringent steps to curb stubble burning.

The CPCB also asked the authorities in Delhi-NCR to close hot mix plants and stone crushers till November 17 and strictly check biomass burning. In case of any violation, strict action should be taken against the violators such as imposition of penalty and temporary stoppage of construction activities, the CPCB order to pollution control boards of UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab read.

“Agencies must ensure compliance of orders of courts and the National Green Tribunal regarding banning the sale and use of firecrackers,” it said.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas had on Tuesday tasked the Central Pollution Control Board with operationalising and monitoring GRAP measures till a mechanism is set up by the newly-constituted panel. — PTI