Delhi Pollution: Authorities 'Unaware' As Wires Burn Openly, Flouting GRAP-2

As the capital, Delhi, once again turns into a "gas chamber" due to severe pollution, the Delhi government is working on implementing measures like cloud seeding to combat the 'very poor' air quality.

The second stage of the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) has been implemented, which includes a ban on burning rubbish, scrap and coal. However, in the Shastri Park area, these GRAP restrictions are being openly flouted, while public representatives and officials have allegedly turned a blind eye.

Wires Burned For Copper Near Police Station

On DDA grounds and roads in the Shastri Park area, drug users and scrap dealers are contributing to pollution by burning wires to extract and sell copper.

Location: Wires are being burned in several places on the DDA's Pandushila road, which is very close to the New Usmanpur police station. The burning is also occurring in DDA grounds near the station.

Proximity: The area where the violations are happening is also home to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital and a fire department office.

Motive: On Thursday, a Jagran correspondent questioned drug users who were actively burning wires. They stated they had stolen the wires and would sell the extracted copper to scrap dealers to buy narcotics.

Attitude: These individuals showed no fear of the police, the municipal corporation, fines, or legal action.

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Visible Pollution And Public Nuisance

The smoke from the burning wires was reportedly visible from Shahdara GT Road. Local residents confirm that it is common to see wires being burned on the roads and DDA grounds, and there are visible burn marks on the surfaces from this activity.

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Official Response

When contacted, Puneet Sharma, Zone Chairman of the Shahdara North Zone, stated: "I was not aware of this matter. Action will be taken against those burning wires after instructing the municipal corporation officials."