The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) compliments efforts and steps taken by Government of NCT of Delhi in the past few days to improve air quality in the State under the dynamic leadership of Mr Arvind Kejriwal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi. 

These initiative have not only generated greater level of awareness among the people but have also created a sense of willingness in their mind to take steps for controlling the increasing levels of pollution to achieve a cleaner, healthier and a sustainable environment for themselves and also for future generation. 

CII congratulates the State Government on successful completion of car rationing - odd and even pilot project in Delhi. The step taken by State Government had a constructive impact in the lives of the people of Delhi as they came out in full support by adhering to the new rules. It not only helped in reducing pollution levels but also decongested roads in many parts of the city. 

However, industry welcomes and supports State Government’s efforts for the steps taken to improve air quality in Delhi; CII suggests following measures are also addressed: 

• There is a need for a greater research to be conducted to understand the root cause of pollution rise during this time of the year. A balanced and all-inclusive approach should be taken taking into account, interests of all stakeholders of the industry and the city before implementing radical mandates. 

• State, Central Government and local Municipal Bodies to work together in cohesion to identify and implement the range of policy and regulatory interventions required to improve air quality as the solution could not just be limited to one. 

• Government of NCT of Delhi to work closely with other neighboring States to support and implement similar polices in cities bordering the Capital and take necessary actions to ensure entire National Capital Region (NCR) air is breathable. 

• Government of NCT of Delhi to take a lead in constituting a NCR Committee with representation of State Governments from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and draw up short, medium and long term plans with targets to ensure sustained air quality improvements in the entire Region. 

• The project of a special road network encircling city dedicatedly for commercial vehicles should be completed in a fast track mode to ensure truck traffic not destined for Delhi could be effectively diverted and will also help in reducing the traffic, congestion and pollution in the capital. 

• The Government of NCT of Delhi could pick a date which comes thrice in a month for e.g. 1st of the month, 11th of the month and 21st of the month. On these dates, vehicle with registration numbers ending with ‘1’ could participate in vehicle rationing to contribute towards traffic management and reducing air pollution. Similarly 2nd of the month, 12th of the month and 22nd of the month, vehicles ending with registration numbers ending with 2 should participate towards vehicle rationing on roads. This can be done for all digits from 1-10. 

• State Government could consider not providing any exemption for during odd-even scheme, in future. 

• Since dust contributes around 56 percent of total pollution in the State, hence, manual cleaning of dust on roads should be stopped, and mechanised or automated systems for cleaning dust on roads should be used. After construction site is complete, there should be a strict rule to mandate removal of debris from site, which also contributes towards dust pollution. The Government should plant grass or put concrete in empty patches of land and roads to reduce Dust Pollution. 

• To ensuring that burning of Solid Waste, biomass and paddy fields is stopped in and around the NCR. 

• To come out with a State Policy for removal of old and polluting vehicles from the road. 

• To strengthen the public transport system, including last mile connectivity, this will encourage people to not use their own vehicle. 

Quotes 

Shreekant Somany, Chairman, CII Northern Region, and;

Chairman and Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Limited

 “It was first of many steps been taken in right direction. On behalf of CII, I compliment Hon’ble Chief Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi for efforts taken by State Government under his leadership to improve air quality in our Capital. I also congratulate him for successful completion of odd-even car rationing that had a positive impact on traffic management in the city and also created a sense of willingness in people’s mind to take steps for controlling the increasing levels of pollution to achieve a cleaner, healthier and a sustainable environment for everyone.” 

Rumjhum Chatterjee, Deputy Chairperson, CII Northern Region, and;

Group Managing Director, Feedback Infra Pvt. Ltd. 

“Looking at the congestion and rising pollution levels, we believe that this approach was needed at this moment. I applaud Mr Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi for his innovative thinking. Chief Minister and his Cabinet Minister’s decision to abide by rules themselves, set encouraged the common man in Delhi to inculcate good practices.” 

Dr Alka Kaul, Chairperson, CII Delhi State Council, and;

Director, Horizon Industrial Products Pvt. Ltd.

“As native of this State, we have long waited for some drastic decisions on curbing pollution levels in Delhi. It is refreshing to see State Government’s commitment towards cleaning Delhi’s air and also towards the health of the people of our State.” 

Madhav B Shriram, Vice-Chairman, CII Delhi State Council, and;

Director, DCM Shriram Industries Limited

“These new regulations were need of the hour in Delhi. It was good to see fewer cars on the roads than before. From here on, the Environment in Delhi will only get better. I also urge State Government to work towards improving fuel quality in the State by ensuring admixture of Ethanol with Petrol.” 

15 January 2016