Central Pollution Control Board suggests flexible office timings for reduction in traffic

In order to control traffic and resulting pollution, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed governments of Delhi-NCR cities to consider introducing flexible office timings, so that peak-hour traffic can be reduced.

The Centre has informed about CPCB's directions before the Supreme Court, to a bench headed by CJI TS Thakur.

The motive behind this step is to ensure that the SC knows about the anti-pollution measures that the centre is taking, so that it can reconsider the ban and tax imposed in Delhi-NCR on diesel cars of engine capacity of more than 2000 cc.

Coming back to the proposal, the CPCB is of the opinion that flexible office hours will contribute a lot in the reduction of peak-time traffic to and from Delhi-NCR destinations, especially considering the number of people travelling to and from Noida and Gurgaon. This results in regular morning and evening snail-like traffic on roads connecting Delhi to other NCR cities.

Talking of Gurgaon, the road connecting Delhi and Gurgaon also leads to the Delhi Airport, which results in further traffic and delays.

While the governments are yet to decide on flexi office timings, other measures include adding particulate filters to diesel vehicles, introducing early alarm system for probable traffic congestions, route diversion, decongesting pathways, prevention of parking on roadsides and non-designated spaces and impounding of visibly polluting vehicles, as reported by ET.

Other than this, CPCB has set a 30-day deadline, by when state governments will need to start synchronising traffic lights, install vapour recovery system in fuel stations, introduce mechanised vacuum sweeping of roads, and close unauthorised brick kilns.

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