Clean air
Clean air is the need of every citizen and in order to provide the same to the people of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary recently directed the Forest Department to install an air quality monitoring grid for real- time assessment of air quality.
He was told during a recent meeting that functioning of brick kilns, the Pollution Control Board has prescribed the use of adequate height of stacks, use of zig zag technology or vertical shaft, and use of coal/piped natural gas as fuel instead of charcoal and firewood; to check the air pollution associated with this sector.
The approved plan also includes a policy to set up e-waste and recycling units in industrial areas in compliance with the e-waste management rules. Accordingly, the Department of Industry and Commerce is assisting establishment of e-waste dismantling and recycling units in the existing and upcoming industrial park, estates and industrial clusters.
To assist the efforts towards curbing air pollution, a policy for phasing out old commercial and private vehicles in 10 years and 15 years respectively, has also been notified. Under the policy, the Transport Department is providing a subsidy of Rs.5.00 lakh per bus to encourage replacement with fuel efficient and eco-friendly alternatives.
He asked the concerned agencies to tighten the inspection drives and ensure compliance to the PUC norms by the private and commercial vehicles.
