New Delhi's Municipal Corporation has cracked down hard on open burning this winter. The civic body has slapped fines totaling over Rs 15 lakh to contain the polluting practice of burning biomass to fight the cold.
Intensive Night Surveillance Across the City
MCD has significantly intensified its night-time enforcement and surveillance operations across all areas of the capital. Officials have issued a substantial 1,487 challans during this winter season alone.
Out of the total penalties worth Rs 15.21 lakh, authorities have successfully collected Rs 2.5 lakh so far. The corporation is taking immediate action to deter pollution-related offences through these on-the-spot fines.
Massive Deployment of Surveillance Teams
The municipal corporation deployed 225 dedicated surveillance teams to monitor violations. These teams comprise 854 officials working across Delhi's 12 administrative zones.
They are keeping a close watch on both commercial and residential areas. Their mandate covers the entire city to ensure comprehensive monitoring of open burning activities.
Legal Framework for Penalties
Officials are issuing on-the-spot challans ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 under multiple legal provisions. These include the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, Solid Waste Management Rules, and National Green Tribunal directions.
For more serious cases, authorities are referring matters directly to municipal courts for further legal action. This two-tier approach ensures appropriate handling of violations based on their severity.
Government Directives for Worker Welfare
On December 24, the environment department issued important directives to various establishments. They instructed residents welfare associations, housing societies, institutions, and other establishments to ensure adequate heating arrangements for their workers.
The department specifically mentioned electric heaters as acceptable alternatives to open burning. This move aims to address the root cause by providing safer heating options during cold weather.
Official Statement on Enforcement Strategy
Sandeep Kapoor, the chairperson of the environment management committee, explained the corporation's approach. He stated that fines are being collected immediately to create a strong deterrent effect against pollution-related offences.
The immediate collection of penalties serves as both punishment and prevention. This strategy aims to change behavior quickly during the critical winter months when air quality typically deteriorates.
Open and biomass burning remains a common practice among some residents trying to stay warm. However, this method contributes significantly to Delhi's notorious winter pollution, making MCD's enforcement campaign particularly crucial this season.
