Submit Air Quality Action Plan by 30 November: Chief Secretary Shri Jain

Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain has instructed officers from the Environment Protection and Urban Administration & Development Departments to present both interim and long-term action plans for maintaining high air quality in seven major cities of Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, by November 30.

During the state-level steering committee meeting of the National Clean Air Program held in the ministry on Wednesday, senior officials from Forest and Environment, Public Works, Urban Administration & Development, Home, Industrial Investment & Promotion, Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Transport departments, as well as collectors, SPs, and municipal commissioners of Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Sagar and Dewas joined via video conference.

Chief Secretary Shri Jain emphasised that successful pollution-reducing measures in Delhi should be studied for adaptation. He directed the formation of an expert group from major departments to design both short and long-term plans, focusing separately on controlling pollution caused by stubble burning, vehicles, construction and waste burning. CS Shri Jain also urged for strict accountability and immediate action on road repairs and maintenance to control dust, requiring responsible agencies to adhere to quality standards.

Target Set to Maintain AQI under 100

Cities must focus on bringing the air quality index below the standard of 100. Complete prohibition of waste burning, control of construction dust, and timely road improvements were emphasised. CS Shri Jain suggested converting traditional tandoors and fireplaces to electric ones, regularly sprinkling water in dusty areas, and running special campaigns for vehicles with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.

Curb Pollution at Construction Sites

Supporting measures, such as nets and regular water sprinkling at construction sites, should be implemented to control dust pollution. Action plans must include specific and effective guidelines for construction-related emissions. All departments and urban bodies are to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns, engaging industrial and transport associations as well as community participation.

CS Shri Jain also directed the Secretary of Industrial Policy & Investment to coordinate with industrial organisations and use CSR funds for municipal equipment needs to aid pollution control efforts.