Centre to issue advisory to tackle pollution soon

Terming Delhi’s smog situation a serious issue, Union environment minister Anil Madhav Dave on Thursday said his ministry will soon issue an advisory to the states concerned on taking up short, medium and long-term measures to tackle air pollution, after holding wide consultations.

Mr Dave said he has asked his ministry to hold a meeting with secretaries of NCR states on Friday after which he will hold meetings with all the state environment ministers, other stakeholders like NGOs, and then the advisory will be issued.

He said although the problem had been persistent, Diwali aggravated the situation and collective effort from each individual is needed to tackle the issue.

“Tomorrow all the state secretaries have been called for a meeting. Then I will hold a meeting with ministers of concerned states and then also hold consultations with various stakeholders.

“Then what could be a short, medium and long term plan to tackle air pollution for Delhi, what can be done today and next year, we will discuss that and we will issue a recommendation or advisory and tell the states to implement it,” the Union minister said.