New Delhi, Oct 15 (TIWN) To check the rising pollution levels across Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), Union Minister of Environment Prakash Javadekar on Thursday flagged off 50 teams of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for conducting field visits to the various hot spots to ensure checks on pollution. The field visits starting on October 15 will continue till February 28 next year.

"Only 4 percent pollution is due to stubble burning. Ninety-six per cent of it is due to local factors like biomass burning, garbage dumping, unpaved roads, dust, construction and demolition activities etc," he said, speaking to reporters at his residence in Delhi.

Javadekar said his throat choked with the smoke from burning of crop residue during a recent visit to Ludhiana. "Punjab government should ensure there is not much stubble burning this time," the minister said.

Addressing the nodal officials of the Central Pollution Control Board teams, he said, "You will work for next two months and take note of all activities and complaints. You will inspect all factors. You have the right to file a report on your observations and strict action will be taken."