CHANDRAPUR: Maharashtra government is set to implement a time-bound 'action plan' for tackling the problem of pollution in industrial towns and cities. 

The government has has set March 31, 2011 as deadline for implementation of the plan to bring the pollution level below 70% in all the industrial towns and cities, environment and culture minister Sanjay Deotale said. Deotale, who is also the guardian minister of Chandrapur district, was talking to reporters here. 

Chandrapur stands 4th in the country and tops the state in pollution levels, he said. The action plan is comprehensive and will take care of pollution levels in air, rivers and lakes/tanks, he said. 

Bodies like municipal corporation, municipal council and gram panchayat will be roped in for the anti-pollution drive, the minister said. Deotale stated that the industries responsible for pollution shall also be dealt with sternly and directed to install equipment to keep the emission levels under control.The government will also initiate steps for the conservation of rivers, lakes and village tanks, he said. 

Deotale said the government was aware of the plight of farmers who suffered losses either due to drought or excess/ unseasonal rains in the state. Hence, a policy to help farmers has been framed. According to the policy, the farmers shall get compensation ranging from Rs 7,500 per hectare to over Rs 10,000 per hectare depending on the type of loss and crops, he said.