Delhi government releases winter action plan to fight air pollution

Delhi government seeks permission from Union Environment Minister for artificial rain during winter.

New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has unveiled 21-points “winter action” plan to combat effectively the air pollution in the National Capital.

Releasing the action plan, the Minister said, “This time we have formed a 21-point Winter Action Plan on the basis of which we will start working. For the first time in Delhi, it has been decided to have drone monitoring of hot spots”

Over the step taken to control the pollution in Delhi, the Minister said in the last few years, we have been able to reduce pollution by 34.6 percent.

“All the work is done within the borders of Delhi but the pollution coming from outside is twice the pollution generated in Delhi. We need the support of central and state governments for this” he told media.

He informed that the government will implement the odd-even scheme and if the situation arises the governemnt will consider artificial rain.

“We have written a letter to the Union Environment Minister asking permission to implement artificial rain during winter. We want to prepare for artificial rains between November 1 to November 15, when the pollution levels are expected to peak due to the aftermath of Diwali celebrations and stubble burning,” he said, adding that the minister has yet to respond to the letter.

Here are the key highlights from the plan:

-For the first time in Delhi, it has been decided to have drone monitoring of hot spots. This will be done real time to find out the cause of the pollution.

-A six-membered Special Task Force will be formed to stop the causes of pollution.

-To control dust pollution, anti-dust campaign will begin in Delhi starting October 7, 2024.

-All agencies, private and government have time until 7th October, if they do not meet the parameters by then, action will begin against them

-All construction sites over 500 meters will have to be registered on a portal.

-Over 85 road sweeping machines will deployed, 500 water sprinkling machines will be used.
This time, 200 mobile anti-smog guns will be launched.

-It has also been decided that in the months of November and December, water sprinkling will be increased three times so that pollution level can be controlled.

-A total of 360 teams will be formed to check pollution certificates of vehicles. A Green War Room will also be set-up to tackle air pollution.