Hooda to table bill to tackle smog crisis in winter session

Congress leader Deepender Hooda is introducing a Right to Clean Air Bill during the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

Hooda, a Lok Sabha MP from Rohtak, said the private member's bill will be finalised after seeking suggestions from concerned citizens and experts.

As a first step, the Congress leader has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to constitute a high-level committee that would have chief ministers of northern states as members and present a plan to the nation on tackling air pollution during winters.

The crisis is due to the annual post-harvest burning of crop stubble and the onset of winter.

Experts blame the smog-choked conditions in the national capital and surrounding areas on the lack of winds due to anti-cyclonic conditions prevailing in the region.

Hooda has asked the prime minister to chair the high-level committee that could make and implement suggestions to prevent the annual phenomenon.

"Everyone should rise above political lines, sit together and present before the nation a plan with budgetary provisions," the Congress leader said.