Government on alarming air pollution condition says, comprehensive plan has been developed

Environment
Minister when asked about situation arising out of the dangerous levels of air
pollution in Delhi and other parts of the country said, “Centre has
notified a graded response action plan for Delhi-NCR for different levels of
pollution.”

Union
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has highlighted that urban forestry,
school nurseries and public participation are needed to reduce the air
pollution in the country.

Union
Minister added that the government is promoting cleaner alternative fuels like
CNG, LPG and ethanol-blended petrol.

The Minister
said in the year 2018-19, state governments have supplied over 56 thousand
machines to farmers and custom hiring centres for in-situ management of crop
residue.

Union
Minister added that Centre has allocated ten crore rupees for 28 cities in the
current year for promoting public awareness.

He also
informed that ambient air quality is monitored at 793 locations covering 344
cities 35 states and Union Territories. The Minister said different factors are
responsible for air pollution in various cities.

The Minister
said, Centre has launched National Action for Clean Air and 122 cities have
been identified where the air pollution is above the limit.

The Minister
listed the measures taken by the NDA Government saying that India has increased
its forest cover by 13,000 square kilometres.