Rs 5 cr Action Plan under implementation in phase-I
SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: District Administration Srinagar is working on a mega project of Rs 5 crore through which residents of Srinagar will get fresh air and clean roads under National Clean Air programme. In this regard, district administration took a detailed review of Rs 5 cr Action Plan (Part-I) being implemented under NCAP for execution of various interventions, including procurement of 4 road sweeping or vacuum cleaning machines for regular cleaning of city roads; 3 Jetting-machines for water spraying; installation of 9 fountains at major intersections/ circles and installation of Air Quality Monitoring System in city to ensure strict implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution besides improving air-quality in Srinagar District.
The Deputy Commissioner, Aijaz Assad was apprised that 3 water spraying Jetting Machines and 4 road sweeping/ vacuum cleaning machines have been procured under NCAP. In addition, authorization for procuring additional 10 road sweeping machines and 10 water-sprinkler machines from Solid Waste component under Swachh Bharat programme has also been granted. The officials further state that tendering process has been almost completed for installation of Air Quality Monitoring System in the City, while construction of fountains under NCAP at 9 important locations, particularly at heavy traffic volume intersections, is being carried out.
Emphasizing on need for proactive actions by implementing agencies, DC also stressed to start a massive drive of plantation at appropriate places to increase green cover in city and other locations to improve air-quality. It has been decided that in respect of carrying construction material by uncovered trucks and dumping of same on roadsides, the concerned authorities will conduct specific drives to curb such practices to improve air quality index in the city besides taking legal action against all those responsible. The administration stressed on participation of local community in improving Air Quality Index through mass awareness campaigns. During the meeting, Nodal Officer Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for Performance Assessment of Srinagar City, Sahil Patel (Scientist-C) gave a detailed overview regarding present quality and matter present in air alongwith impact of interventions on air-quality.