New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai unveiled a comprehensive 21-point Winter Action Plan on Thursday aimed at addressing the city’s air pollution issues. This plan includes innovative measures such as real-time drone monitoring of pollution hotspots and the establishment of a special task force to improve air quality during the winter months.
Speaking at a press conference following a high-level meeting with representatives from 35 different departments, Rai emphasized the government’s proactive approach this year. He noted that the plan represents a significant upgrade from previous years.
“For the first time, we will deploy drones to monitor pollution at 13 major hotspots across Delhi. Additionally, a special task force will be established to address air pollution more effectively,” Rai announced. These steps are part of the broader 21-point plan designed to ensure a cleaner winter for Delhi’s residents.
The Winter Action Plan targets several critical issues including vehicular pollution, dust, stubble burning, and industrial emissions. Each department involved has been assigned specific tasks and must submit their action plans by September 12 to align with the overall strategy.
The plan also includes promoting work-from-home policies to reduce traffic-related pollution, preparing for the implementation of an odd-even vehicle scheme, and exploring the feasibility of artificial rain to help settle airborne pollutants.
Additionally, the government will enhance its Green War Room and Green Delhi App, which are used for real-time pollution monitoring and addressing citizen complaints. These upgrades are aimed at improving the effectiveness of pollution control measures.
A joint meeting was convened with 35 key departments, including the Environment Department, Delhi Police, Public Works Department (PWD), Transport Department, Delhi Metro, and various other agencies. These departments have been assigned responsibilities for managing dust pollution, preventing stubble burning, and increasing green cover throughout the city.
During the press conference, Rai highlighted the progress made in recent years, noting that pollution levels in Delhi have decreased by 30 percent over the past nine years. He pointed out that the number of days with “good” to “moderate” air quality has risen from 110 in 2016 to 206 in 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of ongoing efforts.
“This action plan builds on the previous 15-point plan from last year and introduces new focus areas. Our aim is to leverage past successes to further reduce pollution during the critical winter period,” Rai stated.
The 21-point action plan will enforce stricter controls on vehicle emissions, implement more rigorous dust management practices, and tackle open burning of garbage and industrial waste. The Environment Department will serve as the nodal agency for coordinating these efforts across various departments.
Rai also emphasized the importance of collaborating with neighboring states and the central government to address cross-border pollution issues, particularly those arising from stubble burning in surrounding regions. “Engaging with the Centre and neighboring states is essential. This is not a challenge Delhi can overcome on its own,” he added.
The Winter Action Plan represents a crucial step forward in Delhi’s ongoing battle against air pollution, combining technological advancements and collaborative strategies to improve air quality during the colder months.