On Monday, Gopal Rai, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi’s Minister, took charge of the Environment Ministry. In his address, he outlined the new government’s focus and priorities under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi. He emphasized that one of the biggest challenges this winter would be controlling the rising pollution levels in the city ๐ฌ๏ธ๐.
Rai stated, โWe are committed to completing all the pending projects initiated by the Arvind Kejriwal government, and we will launch new initiatives to build a cleaner, greener, and better Delhi. Our most pressing issue right now is controlling the increasing pollution during winters. The government will explore all options to tackle this problem.”
Winter Pollution: The Biggest Challenge Ahead ๐๏ธโ๏ธ
During his address, Gopal Rai mentioned that the government has already had a roundtable discussion with experts and officials to discuss solutions for managing winter pollution. โMost departments have provided their input on the Winter Action Plan. We will soon meet with the Chief Secretary of Delhi to finalize suggestions and recommendations,โ he said.
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Winter Action Plan to Roll Out on September 25 ๐๏ธ๐
โWe are ready to implement the Winter Action Plan from September 25, ahead of the previously planned date of September 26,โ announced Gopal Rai. He acknowledged that the rise in pollution during winter causes severe difficulties for the people of Delhi, which is why the plan includes work-from-home options for private companies and flexible office timings for commuters. These provisions will be rolled out soon to mitigate the impact on the daily lives of Delhiโs residents.
Atishiโs Leadership During Challenging Times ๐๐ฉโโ๏ธ
Gopal Rai also praised Atishiโs leadership as the Chief Minister of Delhi, despite challenging circumstances. He expressed his support for her decision to keep a chair vacant in the Chief Ministerโs office for Arvind Kejriwal. Referring to Kejriwalโs commitment to step aside until he proves his innocence in the public court, Rai added, โEveryone knows that Atishi took on the role of Chief Minister under extremely difficult circumstances.โ
Focus on Completing Pending Projects ๐๏ธ๐ง
Rai reiterated that the main focus of Team Kejriwal will be on completing the pending projects and ensuring that the welfare benefits and facilities continue to reach the residents of Delhi. โIt is our responsibility to carry forward the progress seamlessly until the elections. I am confident that the entire team will make this a success,โ he stated with optimism.
Government’s 21 Focus Points to Combat Pollution ๐ฑ๐ข๐ฆ
Gopal Rai outlined 21 key focus areas where the government will work tirelessly to control pollution and ensure a sustainable future for Delhi. Some of the highlights include:
- Drone surveillance of pollution hotspots ๐
- Creation of a Special Task Force to tackle pollution ๐ช
- Control of dust pollution in construction zones ๐๏ธ
- Deployment of Mobile Anti-Smog Guns to reduce airborne particles ๐๐จ
- Curbing vehicle pollution through checks and regulations ๐๐
- Addressing stubble burning pollution in surrounding areas ๐พ๐ฅ
- Strengthening the Green War Room and Green Delhi App for monitoring ๐ณ๐ฒ
- Reducing industrial pollution through stricter guidelines ๐ญโ๏ธ
- Increasing green cover through massive tree plantation drives ๐ฟ๐ณ
- Conducting Real-Time Source Apportionment Studies for accurate data ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ๐
- Establishing an e-Waste Eco Park โป๏ธ๐๏ธ
- Ban on firecrackers during the festival season ๐ซ๐
- Promoting public participation in pollution control ๐๐โโ๏ธ
- Dialogue with central government and neighboring states for collaborative efforts ๐ค
- Launching the Green Ratna Award to encourage environmental contributions ๐ ๐ฑ
- Implementing the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) to manage air quality โ ๏ธ
- Strict measures against open waste burning ๐ฅ๐ฎ
- Encouraging work-from-home policies for businesses ๐ ๐ป
- Voluntary restrictions on the use of private vehicles to reduce traffic ๐๐
- Planning for the reintroduction of the Odd-Even scheme if necessary ๐๐๐
- Exploring the possibility of artificial rain to improve air quality โ๐ง