NHAI field officials asked to help reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday decided to ask its field officials to take all possible steps to reduce contribution of the highways sector towards air pollution in the National Capital Region.

The directions came amid the worsening air pollution in the national capital and its adjoining suburbs which were blanketed in a grey haze on Wednesday as the air quality dropped to the "severe" level.

As per the directions issued by NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar, the field officers would take a series of measures including water sprinkling at all construction sites and camps, ensuring covering of all construction material and waste, including flyash, being transported in the Delhi-NCR region and covering of exposed soil near the highways, a government statement said.

It added that the officials would also ensure adherence to the air quality norms by all plants and machinery.

"The Chairman instructed the officials to inspect the construction sites regularly to ensure that all the pollution control measures are adhered to in a strict manner," the statement said.

IANS