In an effort to combat air pollution and enhance air quality in districts facing elevated pollution levels, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra of Uttar Pradesh has instructed officials to devise and implement an action plan. Mishra has urged the enforcement of rules to mitigate air pollution, address the issue of stray cattle, complete the verification process for Ujjawala beneficiaries, and take measures to prevent road accidents.
A Focus on Air Quality Improvement
Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra presided over a video conference meeting with divisional commissioners and district magistrates (DMs), emphasizing the necessity of vigilance in districts with heightened air pollution concerns. He urged officials to take effective steps in enhancing air quality and encouraged the sharing of strategies and resources among themselves. Various methods, including the use of air smog guns and water sprinklers, are recommended to tackle air pollution.
Mishra also stressed the importance of continued efforts to combat stubble burning, which is a significant contributor to air pollution in the region.
Stray Cattle Management
Addressing the issue of stray cattle, Chief Secretary Mishra directed officials to ensure that destitute cattle are not seen roaming on roads following the culmination of a two-month drive to capture them by December 31. To oversee this endeavor, he proposed the appointment of additional municipal commissioners or executive officers in cities and sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) in rural areas as nodal officers. These nodal officers would be responsible for monitoring and coordinating efforts to capture and safely relocate stray cattle to cow protection centers. Mishra further instructed officials to identify areas with high instances of stray cattle and act accordingly.
Verification of Ujjawala Beneficiaries
Another significant directive from the Chief Secretary was to expedite the verification process of Ujjawala beneficiaries, who are entitled to receive free LPG cylinders before Diwali. Mishra noted that only 54 lakh out of the 1.75 crore beneficiaries had completed their Aadhar data, emphasizing the need to ensure that deserving beneficiaries receive their entitlements promptly.
Preventing Road Accidents
Durga Shankar Mishra expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents in Uttar Pradesh and advocated for the regular convening of Districts Road Safety Committee meetings to discuss and implement strategies to curb mishaps. Additionally, officials were tasked with ensuring 100% verification of school vehicles by the transport department and driver verification by the police.
The directives issued by Chief Secretary Mishra reflect a comprehensive approach to address multiple critical issues affecting the state, ranging from air pollution control to road safety and cattle management. These efforts underline the commitment of the Uttar Pradesh government to the well-being of its citizens and the enhancement of the state's overall quality of life.
