Delhi Urges Neighbour States To Ban Firecrackers, Shift Public Transport To CNG

During an online meeting of NCR states, Environment Minister Gopal Rai made suggestions that neighbouring states shift their public transport vehicles in NCR to CNG and adopt electric vehicle policy.

Pollution in Delhi

New Delhi: In order to tackle the issue of pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government has urged its neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab to ban firecrackers for. The Delhi government has also suggested its surrounding states to shift their public transport vehicles in the National Capital Region to CNG and adopt a policy to promote electric vehicles.

During an online meeting of NCR states convened by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the Environment Minister Gopal Rai made suggestions that neighbouring states shift their public transport vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) to CNG and adopt an electric vehicle policy.

The minister added that extension should not be given to thermal power plants in NCR that are operating without emission control devices.

"We have also suggested that Haryana and Uttar Pradesh constitute a task force for pollution hotspots in their areas surrounding Delhi for ground visits and focused work, he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Last week, the Delhi government imposed a complete ban on the storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers. Ahead of Diwali, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the decision was taken after considering pollution levels in Delhi during the festival over the last three years.

He also appealed to traders to avoid stocking up on firecrackers. Kejriwal tweeted that the ban was imposed late last year, leading to losses for traders.