Now think twice before burning trash in Delhi

Now, burning trash and dry leaves may invite swift and strict action as on World Environment Day, the Delhi Government-led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to empower officials of its revenue department to crack the whip on the offenders.

Delhi Environment Minister Asim Ahmed Khan, while enumerating several other steps taken by the Delhi government towards improving the capital's hazardous air quality, criticised the previous governments.

Speaking on the sidelines of 'Delhi Environment Summit', Khan said the previous governments had failed completely in tackling pollution, and stressed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was giving more emphasis on working on the ground rather than on paper.

"As per the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to stop burning of trash and dry leaves in the open, we are empowering tehsildars of revenue departments to take action against the offenders," Khan said.

Earlier, the government had asked all sub-divisional magistrates to check open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves in Delhi and had announced a helpline number (9717593574), for registration of complaints in this regard.

Khan said that the Delhi government had adopted the policy of handing over saplings while welcoming guests instead of the usual norm of greeting with flower bouquets.

(Image: Indiatimes)