Start process to buy masks ahead of diwali: CM

The environment marshals were all Home Guards volunteers who were deployed to flag violations and local sources that could lead to air pollution such as open garbage burning, open dumping of solid waste and construction materials and road dust.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed the health department to start the procedure for procurement of high quality anti-pollution masks ahead of Diwali. Providing masks to the public is one of the measures under the seven-point action plan announced by the Delhi government to tackle peak air pollution post-Diwali.

Arvind Kejriwal has directed the health department to start the procedure for procurement of high quality anti-pollution masks ahead of Diwali. (HT FILE)

“We have asked the health department to start procurement of N-95, which are the best quality masks for battling air pollution, immediately. Public health is our top priority. Since post-Diwali, many people, in particular, the elderly face breathing difficulties, we plan to make the masks available before the season approaches,” said a senior Delhi government official.

272 marshals

The Delhi government’s environment department is planning to deploy more than 272 environment marshals – one marshal for each municipal ward – during the winter this year.

“The marshals had been withdrawn in April, when air quality improved after the winter season. This time, however, we are planning to deploy around 272 marshals on the ground,” said a senior official of the environment department.

The Delhi Home Guards directorate has trained more than 2,500 personnel this year.

“This year we have trained more than 2500 personnel as environment marshals. They are ready to be deployed if the situations warrants,” said Bipin Bihari Choudhary, commandant of Home Guards.