The Environment Minister of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Gopal Rai, revealed today that the Chairman of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Ashwani Kumar, unilaterally stopped a crucial Real-Time Source Apportionment Study being carried out in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. This decision has disrupted data collection on pollution sources and has brought the study to a grinding halt.

The Real-Time Source Apportionment Study, which was estimated to cost ₹12 crores, was initiated to identify and understand the actual sources of pollution in the national capital. The study was intended to provide essential data for a scientific analysis of the increasing pollution levels during the winter season, enabling the government to take appropriate actions to mitigate pollution's impact.

Minister Gopal Rai stated, "Delhi has faced severe pollution issues, especially during the winter months, affecting the health and well-being of its residents. In an effort to address this challenge, the Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, decided to conduct a groundbreaking Real-Time Source Apportionment Study in collaboration with IIT Kanpur."

However, the study was abruptly halted by DPCC Chairman Ashwani Kumar, who refused to release the remaining payment to IIT Kanpur. This move has created significant difficulties for around 2 crore Delhiites and deprived the government of critical data on pollution sources.

In the joint press conference held at the Delhi Secretariat, Minister Gopal Rai demanded the immediate suspension of Ashwani Kumar and disciplinary action against him. He also urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to release the pending ₹2 crores owed to IIT Kanpur so that the study can be resumed.

Services Minister Atishi, who also addressed the press conference, emphasized the importance of the Real-Time Source Apportionment Study for controlling pollution in Delhi. She highlighted that the lack of data on pollution sources hinders the government's ability to formulate effective policies to combat air pollution in the city.

The study, which cost ₹12 crores, was set up with advanced equipment and chemical modeling to identify various pollution sources across the city. Atishi noted that this study has played a crucial role in shaping policy decisions, revealing sources of pollution like 'angithi' use by security guards and variations in pollution sources in different areas of Delhi.

Minister Atishi expressed concern over the decision made by DPCC Chairman Ashwani Kumar to halt the study without consulting the relevant minister and Cabinet, and to withhold the pending payment to IIT Kanpur. She raised questions about his competence in assessing the study's mathematical modeling and the authority to overturn a Cabinet-approved project.

This incident is not an isolated one. Minister Atishi pointed out that since the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, government officials in Delhi have consistently obstructed public welfare work, undermining Cabinet and ministerial orders. This has raised concerns about the decision-making process within the Delhi government and its impact on the welfare of the city's 2 crore residents.

The matter will now be referred to the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA) and the Lieutenant Governor, who will make the final decision. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the continuation of the Real-Time Source Apportionment Study and the ability of the Delhi government to address its persistent air pollution issues.