Environment Minister Gopal Rai in a Press Conference along with Atishi Marlena on Wednesday, accused Ashwani Kumar, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) Chairman for blocking the study conducted by the Delhi government to identify pollution sources in Delhi
According to Rai, the Delhi Cabinet had given its approval to the study proposal in July 2021, followed by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Kanpur in October 2022.
After numerous meetings with scientists from IIT-Kanpur, Kumar reportedly issued orders on October 18 to halt the disbursement of the remaining funds to IIT-Kanpur, effectively resulting in the cancellation of the study, as claimed by Mr. Rai.
Rai asserted that Ashwani Kumar, currently at position of DPCC chairman in December, raised concerns in a file note in February of this year, specifically regarding the "considerable expenses" linked to the study.
Rai stated that the estimated cost of the study exceeded Rs 12 crore. The Delhi government had already given Rs 10 crore to IIT-Kanpur for the acquisition of essential equipment and the establishment of a centralised supersite for data collection.
Rai wrote a "letter" to Delhi CM
In a letter to Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mr. Rai called for the suspension of the official due to his "insensitive and irresponsible behavior."
He expressed his discontent that Ashwani Kumar's decision has put the lives of two crore Delhi residents at risk as he blocked studies, when Delhi really needs scientific data to tackle its pollution issues. The minister also pointed out that Mr. Kumar didn't inform him or the Cabinet about his decision, and this goes against the rules for conducting government business.
He also pointed out that Mr. Kumar did not provide any scientific evidence for his conclusions. Since the IIT-Kanpur report did not align with his views on the causes of pollution in Delhi, he was willing to obstruct the entire project without considering the welfare of Delhi's people or respecting scientific research.
Mr. Rai also mentioned that Mr. Kumar had been seeking validation for the scientific models used by IIT-Kanpur, and despite multiple meetings and explanations from the institute, he continued to reject the scientific work conducted by one of the country's most prestigious institutes.
He urged the CM to release the remaining payment to IIT-Kanpur immediately. He also mentioned that the Delhi government plans to have prominent scientists review the pollution source apportionment study results after the winter.
He claimed that Mr. Kumar's actions could be punishable under Sections 336, 337, and 338 of the Indian Penal Code, as they endanger the lives and safety of others. Source apportionment studies help identify the factors contributing to air pollution, such as vehicles, dust, biomass burning, and industrial emissions, so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken.
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