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Delhi Congress Slams Govt Over Unspent Pollution Funds, Questions Winter Preparedness
- •Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav criticized the Delhi government's handling of environmental compensation funds, citing NGT observations on unutilized amounts.
- •Yadav highlighted that Rs 1,153.93 crore out of Rs 1,935.44 crore collected as Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) remained unspent.
- •The NGT's criticism of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) status report on fund utilization was also referenced by Yadav.
- •Concerns were raised about the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan, urging stronger measures against vehicular emissions, a major pollution source.
- •Yadav also criticized greening initiatives and called for more effective strategies to combat Delhi's deteriorating air quality, especially with upcoming Diwali and farm fires.
Key Questions Answered
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav cited the National Green Tribunal's observations regarding unutilised environmental compensation funds to question the government's preparedness for air pollution ahead of the winter season. He alleged that out of Rs 1,935.44 crore received under the Environmental Compensation Charge pool, Rs 1,153.93 crore remained unspent.
Delhi Congress raised concerns that the Winter Action Plan's measures like work-from-home rules, construction restrictions, and higher parking charges should be paired with stronger actions to control vehicular emissions. Citing a Centre for Science and Environment study, Yadav emphasized that vehicular emissions remain a major source of Delhi's air pollution that the winter plan must address.
The NGT criticized the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's status report on environmental compensation collection and utilization, directing the committee to submit a fresh report. This updated report must include specific details regarding timelines, polluting units, and how the funds are being utilized.
