Delhi’s Pollution Study Halted Unilaterally by DPCC Chairman, Sparks Controversy

Delhi's Pollution Study Halted Unilaterally by DPCC Chairman, Sparks Controversy

Asif Iqbal | October 25, 2023 | 09:17 PM IST | Delhi | Follow on Google News

Delhi’s Pollution Study Halted Unilaterally by DPCC Chairman, Sparks Controversy

In a significant development, the Delhi government’s pioneering study aimed at identifying pollution sources in the national capital has come to a screeching halt due to what has been alleged as arbitrary and unilateral orders by Delhi Pollution Control Committee Chairman (DPCC), Ashwani Kumar. The allegations were made by the city’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, during a press conference.S

tudy Proposal and Funding

The study, which was initiated with the approval of the Delhi Cabinet in July 2021, had gained traction when the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Kanpur in October 2022. The estimated cost for this ambitious project exceeded Rs 12 crore, and the Delhi government had already disbursed Rs 10 crore to IIT-Kanpur to acquire the necessary equipment and establish a centralized supersite for data collection.

Cancellation Controversy

Minister Rai claimed that Ashwani Kumar, who assumed the role of DPCC chairman in December, expressed concerns about the study’s substantial expenses in a file note dating back to February. Following multiple meetings with scientists from IIT-Kanpur, Mr. Kumar issued orders on October 18, effectively canceling the study by halting the release of the remaining funds to IIT-Kanpur.Mr. Rai expressed his deep concern about this decision, particularly when Delhi is in dire need of scientific data to tackle its severe pollution issues. He asserted that Mr. Kumar’s actions endangered the lives of the city’s two crore residents and accused him of grossly violating the Transaction of Business Rules.

Call for Accountability

In a letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mr. Rai called for Mr. Kumar’s suspension, citing “insensitive and irresponsible behavior.” The minister highlighted Mr. Kumar’s apparent bias in favor of internal factors as the primary cause of Delhi’s pollution and his unwillingness to accept the scientific research findings of IIT-Kanpur. Mr. Rai emphasized the urgency of releasing the remaining payment to IIT-Kanpur and pledged that the Delhi government would seek prominent scientists to review the study’s results after the winter season.

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Serious Allegations and Legal Consequences

Gopal Rai did not mince words in his letter to the chief minister, stating that Mr. Kumar’s actions may be culpable under sections of the Indian Penal Code. Specifically, Sections 336, 337, and 338 pertain to endangering life, causing hurt, and causing grievous hurt by acts that endanger life or personal safety. He insisted that these actions further complicate the health of Delhi’s residents and obstruct the study from reaching its essential conclusions and implementations.

The Importance of Real-Time Source Apportionment Studies

Real-time source apportionment studies play a vital role in identifying the factors responsible for increased air pollution at specific locations, enabling authorities to take targeted preventive measures. The results of such studies are crucial for developing effective strategies to improve air quality and public health.During the press conference, Services Minister Atishi emphasized that understanding pollution sources was a prerequisite for developing a mitigation plan, underlining the significance of the halted study in addressing Delhi’s pollution problem.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.