GHAZIABAD: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CBCB) have asked the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to take action over the increasing pollution levels in Vasundhara. The directive comes just weeks before NCR heads into its peak winter air pollution season, while state governments prepare to enforce measures ordered by the CAQM expert panel to cut toxic emissions. Letters were sent to UPPCB member secretary (Lucknow) on September 28 after an activist complained about illegal construction of multiple flats on plots meant for single properties and rampant concretisation eating into the areas green and open spaces. Track the pollution level in your city The complaint received in the Central Pollution Control Board is forwarded for investigation and necessary action. Please take action and information regarding investigation of the complaint and action taken, the CPCB letter said. Asked about the directive, a UPPCB official in Ghaziabad said they are yet to receive any order from the state. Last year, the district administration identified Vasundhara as one of the ten pollution hotspots in the NCR city. A survey directed by the Meerut divisional commissioner earlier this year identified at least 5,000 multi-storey buildings on single-unit plots in the area.Vasundhara Colony is spread over 1,200 acres. Despite that, it does not have proper community facilities that should have been built simultaneously with allotment of housing and commercial plots, said Pradeep Dahlia, who had also complained about water and air pollution levels in letters to authorities on September 22. Vasundhara is managed by the Housing Board, also called Awas Vikas. It also hosts the regional office of UPPCB.The activist said the authorities — Awas Vikas, and state pollution control board — have turned a blind eye to blatant illegal construction in the area.Awas Vikas had to primarily allot plots to develop single-units, group housing societies and public facilities. But, over the last decade, Awas Vikas has sold off property to private developers to make profits, said Dahlia.Despite repeated attempts, officials of Awas Vikas could not be reached for comment till Sunday evening.We also published the following articles recentlyMumbai: BMC to take various measures to control air pollution due to construction activitiesThe BMC has issued a circular to control environmental pollution caused by construction activities in Mumbai. The circular includes guidelines that must be followed by all ongoing and proposed building construction works. Measures such as using wind breaking tin/metal sheets, tarpaulin/green cloth/jute sheet for scaffolding, regular cleaning, and on-site crushing of demolition material are mentioned in the circular. These measures aim to prevent and control the adverse effects of dust, noise, and vibration on the environment.Follow pollution control plan for bldg sites or face action: BMCThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a circular regarding measures to control environmental pollution caused by construction activities in Mumbai. The circular includes guidelines that are mandatory for all ongoing and proposed construction projects. Some instructions mentioned in the circular include using wind-breaking sheets, tarpaulin, and jute sheets to prevent dust, regular cleaning of these materials, and proper waste management. The circular also emphasizes the need for compliance and warns of penal action for non-compliance. Architects and subengineers are required to monitor and enforce these guidelines.State pollution board testing plant extracts to treat shack wastewaterThe Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is testing a wastewater treatment method using plant extracts like neem, tulsi, and moringa. The technology, which has been tried and tested globally, uses a geobag and can be installed at a cost of Rs 4 lakh. Treated water is automatically tested and if it doesnt meet the required standards, it goes through another round of treatment. The GSPCB is offering these solutions to beach shack owners to address the issue of untreated wastewater being released onto beaches.

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