Delhi’s CM, Arvind Kejriwal, unveiled a winter action plan for the city.

New Delhi Announces Winter Action Plan to Combat Pollution

New Delhi ★Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has unveiled a comprehensive 15-point Winter Action Plan aimed at reducing pollution levels in the city. The plan includes several measures and regulations to combat pollution during the winter months.

Identifying Hotspots and Taking Necessary Steps

The government has identified 13 hotspots with the highest pollution levels in Delhi. To address this issue, a ban on open burning of garbage and firecrackers has been implemented. Additionally, the use of bio decomposers for stubble will be increased.

Key Actions Under the Winter Action Plan

• Creation of a war room to monitor and reduce pollution in the identified hotspots.
• Expansion of the use of bio decomposers for stubble burning to cover 5 thousand acres.
• Formation of 591 teams to monitor construction sites and minimize dust pollution.
• Compulsory registration of construction sites over 500 square meters on a web portal for better dust control.
• Mandatory installation of anti-smog guns at more than 5000 large construction sites.
• Deployment of 82 mechanical sweeping missions to prevent dust from flying on roads during cleaning.
• Strict enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for vehicles.
• Formation of 385 teams to implement the ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.
• Identification of 90 congested roads and provision of alternative routes.
• Ban on open burning of garbage and formation of 611 teams for enforcement.

Environmental Initiatives and Achievements

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal highlighted various environmental initiatives and achievements in Delhi. The city has witnessed significant progress in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with Delhi leading the world in EV purchases. The green cover in Delhi has also increased from 20% in 2013 to 23% currently, thanks to the implementation of a tree transplantation policy. Additionally, two thermal power plants have been closed, and fines are being imposed on those causing dust pollution. The shift of 1727 industrial units to PNG has further contributed to reducing pollution levels in the city.

Furthermore, Delhi now enjoys uninterrupted electricity supply, with 24-hour availability. The central government has also constructed peripheral expressways around the city to facilitate smoother vehicular movement.

The Winter Action Plan and the aforementioned initiatives highlight the commitment of the Delhi government to combat pollution and improve the overall environmental conditions in the city.