Manja: Sisodia writes to LG seeeking action against Env Secy

New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) Delhi’s Deputy Chief MinisterManish Sisodia today wrote to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung seekingdisciplinary action against Environment Secretary ChandrakerBharti for the delay in issuing the draft notification banningChinese manja in the national capital. In his letter to Jung, the Deputy CM said that Bharti has"failed" to issue the notification before the Independence Daydespite the fact that Environment Minister had on August 5approved the same and thereafter Lt Governor had given his nodto it and termed it as "gross negligence" of primary dutyby the senior civil servant. On August 15, kite strings claimed three lives — twochildren and a 22-year-old man — after their necks got slitwhile a Delhi Police sub-inspector was injured. "The lack of timely action by the Secretary EnvironmentChandrakar Bharti has resulted in unfortunate loss of aprecious life on the outer ring road on August 5," Sisodiasaid. "Accordingly, it is proposed that honorable LG may takenecessary disciplinary action against the delinquent officialwho is found to be absolutely insensitive to the safety of ourcitizens on a matter (banning of glass-coated thread) which isbeing followed by the High Court," Sisodia said. Yesterday, the Kejriwal government issued a draftnotification banning sale, production and storage of Chinesemanja. Violation of directions will be punishable withimprisonment of up to five years or fine which may be extendedto Rs 1 lakh or with both. "The proposal (of notification) of the EnvironmentMinister through my office was sent to LG on August 5 and LtGovernor had approved the same on August 8. "The file was received from the LG office on August 9 andthe same was duly processed at Deputy CM’s office, EnvironmentMinister’s office, Chief Secretary’s office and was sent toEnvironment Secretary on the morning of August 10 for issue ofnotification," he also said. An official said that as the Lt Governor is the in-chargeof Services, he should seek clarification from the officialconcerned. The Deputy CM said that safety of Delhiites isnon-negotiable for the AAP government, and that kite flyingthough dangerous is a popular activity in Delhi especiallyduring the festive season of Independence Day, Raksha Bandhanand Makar Sankranti. PTI BUNRT