New Delhi: Rajya Sabha members on Thursday sought concerted efforts by the government to deal with rising levels of pollution in Delhi and its adjoining areas.

During a short duration discussion on the issue, some members also asked the government to refrain from blaming farmers for causing pollution by burning stubble or husk.

Initiating the discussion, SP’s Naresh Agarwal said that farmers are blamed for causing pollution by burning stubble and asked the government to take steps to deal with the situation rather than blaming them because “vehicle/industrial emissions and others area also the reasons for it.”

Referring to the 12-point charter unveiled by the government to deal with the issue, Mr Agarwal said that pollution will not come down just because the government would give directions to states or departments.

Congress’ T.S. Reddy expressed dissatisfaction over government’s 12 point charter to deal with the issue. He drew attention towards solid waste management, saying garbage is being dumped in improper manner.

Replying to the debate, Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan said that the Centre was taking steps to reduce vehicle emissions and promote green mobility, and attacked the Delhi government for not taking steps to deal with the rising air pollution in the NCR.

He said while the Centre was working to tackle the problem, the Delhi government has lacked in taking proactive measures to combat the problem. “There are certain critical issues like water sprinkling to curtail air pollution. Likewise, landfill sites are not being maintained properly,” Mr Vardhan said criticising the Kejriwal government.