India sends out scientists to tackle winter air pollution woes

A man rides a bicycle on a hazy morning near India Gate, in New Delhi, October 14, 2020. REUTERS/Anushree FadnavisNEW DELHI: Indian authorities sent teams of scientists out to various parts of the capital, New Delhi, and surrounding districts on Thursday to clamp down on illegal factories and construction sites as part of efforts to combat worsening winter air pollution.

Fifty teams from the Central Pollution Control Board would track down industrial emissions, dust from building sites and smoke from burning rubbish - some of the main sources of the city's air pollution, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said.The teams will be authorised to recommend the closure of illegal factories and can call for legal action against those that violate rules at construction sites and against the burning of waste.

As winds drop after the monsoon and cooler weather sets in, a host of pollutants hang in the air over New Delhi. The problem is exacerbated by the burning of stubble in fields across northern India's farm belt. Every year, the federal government gives a subsidy to states such as Punjab to encourage farmers to use machines that dispose of crop waste rather than burning it, Javadekar said.

"I request the government of Punjab to ensure that agricultural waste burning comes to an end. It's harmful for Delhi, and it's harmful for the people of Punjab as well," he said, sending off the teams of scientists.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Amid Covid-19 fatigue, India rolls out new awareness campaignNEW DELHI - The Indian government has rolled out a new campaign to remind people not to let their guard down, as experts warn that fatigue over the pandemic, coupled with the coming festive season and winter, could result in a spike in cases of Covid-19.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Indian Americans solidly behind Biden in US presidential election, survey showsNEW DELHI (REUTERS) - Nearly three-quarters of Indian Americans plan to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in the US election next month, believing the country is headed in the wrong direction under President Donald Trump, according to a survey on Wednesday (Oct 14).. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Indian activists oppose plans to make Goa a coal transport hubCHENNAI: Indian activists and politicians in the southwestern state of Goa, known globally for its pristine coastline and dense forests, are ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Indian jewellery chain withdraws ad after outrage by Hindu hardlinersOne of India's top jewellery retailers has withdrawn an advert featuring an interfaith baby shower after a vicious backlash on social media by ... Not hindu nationalist but Hindu extremist.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Exclusive: US apparel watchdog probes Jockey's Indian partner after human rights abuse allegationsA top apparel industry watchdog has launched an investigation into underwear maker Jockey International's Indian partner Page Industries Ltd ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Indian jewellery chain withdraws ad after outrage by Hindu hardlinersOne of India's top jewellery retailers has withdrawn an advert featuring an interfaith baby shower after a vicious backlash on social media by Hindu hardliners who said it glorified 'love jihad'.
Source: YahooSG - 🏆 3. / 71 Read more »