Delhi's Rs 22,236 Crore Green Budget: A Comprehensive Environmental Blueprint
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday provided a detailed breakdown of how Delhi's ambitious Rs 22,236-crore green budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 will be implemented across various departments. The comprehensive plan targets pollution reduction and environmental infrastructure enhancement throughout the capital city, with specific allocations outlined for key sectors.
Yamuna Cleanup Receives Largest Allocation
At the heart of the environmental strategy lies the Yamuna river cleanup initiative, which has been granted the most substantial funding of Rs 6,485 crore. The Delhi Jal Board will utilize these resources to construct new sewage treatment plants, upgrade existing facilities, intercept major drains, and improve riverfront areas. Officials emphasized that the primary focus will be on minimizing the discharge of untreated sewage into the river while simultaneously boosting overall wastewater management capacity.
Transport Sector Transformation
The transport sector emerges as the second major priority, with Rs 4,758 crore earmarked for expanding electric bus fleets, developing charging infrastructure, and strengthening last-mile connectivity. This initiative aims to reduce emissions—a significant contributor to air pollution—while enhancing public transport reliability. The government is intensifying investments in public transportation, targeting an expansion of the bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with electric buses receiving top priority.
Integration of metro and Regional Rapid Transit System networks with feeder buses, e-autos, and shared mobility services is expected to improve last-mile connectivity and decrease reliance on private vehicles. To accelerate electric mobility adoption, authorities plan to install 32,000 EV charging points over the next four years.
Combating Dust Pollution
The Public Works Department has been allocated Rs 3,350 crore to address dust pollution through mechanized road sweeping, deployment of anti-smog solutions, and development of greener road infrastructure. These measures specifically target construction dust and road dust, which constitute a substantial portion of particulate pollution in Delhi.
Coordinated Planning and Urban Development
The government has emphasized coordinated planning with Rs 2,350 crore allocated to the planning department for designing, monitoring, and streamlining green projects. Urban development agencies, along with the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, will receive Rs 2,273 crore for interventions including waste management, sanitation improvements, and creation of urban green spaces.
Energy and Environmental Initiatives
In the energy sector, Rs 1,410 crore has been designated for promoting solar power and other renewable sources. The environment department will utilize Rs 558 crore for pollution control programs, while Rs 305 crore has been set aside for irrigation and flood control projects focusing on water conservation and drainage improvement.
Additional Allocations and Green Fund
Other significant allocations include Rs 258 crore for promoting green growth in rural areas, Rs 181 crore for afforestation and wildlife conservation, and Rs 102 crore for eco-friendly tourism initiatives. The education sector will see Rs 100 crore used for green initiatives in schools, while smaller outlays have been made for curbing industrial pollution, improving environmental standards in hospitals, and strengthening disaster management systems.
A key feature of the plan involves creating a green fund that will support multiple departments and ensure flexibility in funding priority projects. All departments have been instructed to map their expenditures against green objectives, a move designed to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes.
