Delhi govt chalks out 21-point Winter Action Plan

New Delhi, Sep 25 (UNI) The Delhi government launched its Winter Action Plan on Wednesday, focusing on 21 key areas to combat air pollution in the national capital.

Addressing the media, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The Delhi government is starting a campaign, ‘Yuddha Pradushan ke Viruddh,’ against pollution during the winter months in Delhi. This time, our fight against pollution will be under the theme ‘Mil Kar Chale, Pradushan se lade’ (Let’s walk together – fight pollution).”

He emphasized the need for joint efforts from the central and state governments and various agencies to tackle pollution in Delhi, noting, “Pollution in Delhi has decreased compared to previous years.”

“In 2016, there were 243 polluted days, which has now dropped to 159 in 2023, reflecting a reduction of approximately 34.6% in pollution levels in the city,” he said.

Rai highlighted several initiatives taken by the AAP government that contributed to this reduction, including record plantation efforts, a Tree Transplantation Policy, an increased number of E-Buses in public transport, an e-vehicle policy, a focus on pollution hotspots, the transition of industries to PNG gas instead of diesel and petrol, regulations on generators, the closure of thermal power plants, and the launch of a web portal for real-time monitoring of dust pollution at construction sites. “These ten steps have collectively reduced pollution in Delhi by 34.6%,” he added.

He confirmed that the government is committed to reducing pollution this winter and will begin implementing the 21-point Winter Action Plan immediately. “One key focus area of the plan is monitoring hotspots using drones. Delhi has 13 identified pollution hotspots from 2019, and last year we manually identified pollution sources at these sites. This year, we will employ drones for real-time identification of pollution sources,” Rai said.

“A special task force of six members has been formed to monitor air quality and take necessary actions,” he said adding that an anti-dust campaign will commence on October 7, with 85 road-sweeping machines and 500 water sprinklers being deployed across Delhi.

“Pollution levels are expected to rise between November 1 and 15,” he said mentioning that the government is exploring the possibility of inducing artificial rain, pending permission from the central government.

The Winter Action Plan will also include the operation of mobile anti-smog guns, control of vehicle pollution, measures against stubble burning, a Green War Room, the Green Delhi app, initiatives to address industrial pollution, increased green cover and tree plantation, real-time source apportionment studies, an e-waste eco-park, a ban on firecrackers, public participation, dialogue with the central government and neighbouring states, the Harit Ratna Award, implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), restrictions on open garbage burning, work-from-home options for private organizations, staggered office timings, voluntary vehicle restrictions, and preparations for an odd-even scheme, along with the possibility of artificial rain.

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