Chandigarh, Sept. 6 -- To keep pollution under control in the upcoming festival and winter seasons, the air quality monitoring committee (AQMC) has decided to set up air pollution control devices at crematoriums, create a green buffer around the dumping ground, and to check vehicle emission. The decisions were taken in the 10th meeting of the AQMC held under the chairmanship of UT environment director Saurabh Kumar. The meeting focused on assessing the preparedness of stakeholder departments for the upcoming high-risk winter season and evaluating the progress under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). During the meeting, the Chairman expressed serious concern over the slow pace and lack of seriousness in implementation of several key directives. In the meeting, the municipal corporation (MC) was directed to immediately submit pending proposals for Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) in consultation with the Traffic Police and to submit proposal for installation of air pollution control devices at crematoriums. During the meeting, the MC and the department of forests and wildlife were tasked with identifying sites for high-density (Miyawaki) plantations and creation of a green buffer around the dumping ground through thick vegetation was also recommended to reduce environmental and visual impact. The chairman directed all departments to utilise NCAP funds for 2024-25 by September 30, 2025, failing which next year's allocation will be withheld. "The MC, which received Rs.7.92 crore each in 2024-25 and 2025-26, must fast-track implementation," he said, and added that utilisation certificates for past funding must be submitted within five working days....