JAMMU: DC Jammu, Avny Lavasa, today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of National Clean Air Programme and discussed the actionable points under it.The introduction of cleaner fuels like CNG or LPG, the launch of a comprehensive campaign against polluting vehicles, the monitoring of vehicles’ fitness certificates, traffic management, the development of multi-layer parking, the development of green belt areas, the planting of trees alongside roads, the covering of construction sites, and the installation of air pollution controls were all topics that could be implemented.The concerned officials were given orders by the Deputy Commissioner to step up efforts to improve air quality, including the creation of EV charging infrastructure in the city to promote e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, the establishment of a sufficient number of PUC testing facilities, the registration of vehicles with PUC certificates, etc. She gave the J&K Pollution Control Committee orders to guarantee that air pollution control equipment are installed in industries and to impose bans on those that don’t. She also requested that they set up CAAQMS to enhance air quality. The Commissioner JMC was tasked with developing a green-belt in open spaces and planting trees alongside roadways. She also gave instructions to oversee emission-reduction efforts.The DC emphasised the necessity for the implementing agencies to take initiative. She requested that all line departments produce thorough reports on the steps they had taken to combat air pollution. She emphasised to the officers the need of covering all air pollution hotspots so that the necessary actions could be taken and included in the City Action Plan. Senior personnel from several relevant departments joined Commissioner JMC Rahul Yadav for the meeting.
