Haryana, Noida Governments Impose Hefty Fines As Pollution Levels Soar

As the national capital region grapples with dangerously high pollution levels and an Air Quality Index (AQI) deep in the 'severe' category, authorities in Delhi and its neighbouring areas have come down hard on those violating air quality regulations, issuing hefty penalties to deter rule breakers.

Haryana, one of the key states in the National Capital Region (NCR), has taken a strong stance against crop residue burning. Government officials in Haryana reported a remarkable 38% reduction in stubble burning incidents during the current harvesting season compared to the previous year. This reduction is a significant step in the right direction, as last year, the state recorded a staggering 2,083 cases of stubble burning, which has now decreased to 1,296 cases in 2023, reflecting a substantial 57% reduction compared to 2021.

Haryana's Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kaushal, emphasized the government's dedication to monitoring the AQI in the state and implementing stringent measures to combat paddy straw burning. Despite these efforts, certain areas in Haryana have reported air quality indices in the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories over the past few days.

The state government's commitment to addressing the issue was highlighted during a virtual review meeting chaired by MM Kutty, the Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR. Officials stated that the government is taking stringent action against those responsible for farm fires, having issued 939 challans and imposing fines exceeding Rs 25.12 lakh by October 31. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman of the Haryana Pollution Control Board, has directed deputy commissioners to closely monitor mining and excavation activities and ensure that no waste is burned in the open. He also stressed the importance of road maintenance and the effective implementation of government-enforced measures to combat stubble burning.

In Noida, the situation is no different. The Noida authority has been relentless in its efforts to curb pollution. They issued 26 challans as part of their strict enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) guidelines, with an additional 13 cases recorded by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (Noida office). The AQI in Noida was classified as 'severe,' with a reading of 428 at 4 pm on the same day.

The Noida authority disclosed that it imposed penalties totalling Rs 13.80 lakh on 26 entities found violating GRAP rules. To ensure compliance, the authority maintains a vigilant stance, with 14 teams conducting daily inspections of construction sites, roads, and open spaces. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board levied fines totalling Rs 10.50 lakh on 13 entities, including a substantial Rs 5 lakh fine on a real estate developer.

Amid escalating pollution concerns, the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Association (NOFAA) has urged the implementation of an odd-even scheme for vehicles, echoing measures taken in Delhi to combat the menace. NOFAA's President, Rajiva Singh, emphasized the need to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads by 50% through an odd-even vehicle plan for the next two to three months.

NOFAA also highlighted issues related to dust on roads and the significant contribution of construction and demolition (C&D) waste to deteriorating air quality in Noida. Singh stressed the urgency of making all footpaths and roads entirely dust-free, advocating for mechanical sweeping and water spraying. Additionally, he called for heavy penalties and stringent monitoring of construction sites to address the major concerns posed by C&D waste.

On November 2, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital and NCR region as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed the 400-mark, entering the 'severe' category. This move signifies the gravity of the pollution situation and underscores the necessity for stringent measures to safeguard public health and the environment.

As the Delhi-NCR region grapples with the dire consequences of air pollution, governments and residents alike are joining forces to combat this pressing issue. With stringent enforcement and the imposition of significant penalties, the hope is that these measures will act as a deterrent to violators and contribute to cleaner air for all. It remains a collective responsibility to work towards improving air quality and ensuring a healthier future for all residents in the region.