In a significant step toward achieving smoke-free households across the capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally distributed LPG connections to women beneficiaries on Saturday. The special event, organized in the Wazirpur area, saw 252 residents receiving these essential cooking gas connections under the central government's flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Transforming Kitchen Practices Across Delhi
During her address at the distribution ceremony, CM Gupta highlighted the transformative impact of the Ujjwala scheme on Delhi households. More than 2.5 lakh families in Delhi have already benefited from access to clean cooking fuel under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative represents much more than just a fuel transition—it's a comprehensive reform movement aimed at safeguarding women's health, reducing environmental pollution, and enhancing domestic dignity.
The scheme has successfully encouraged numerous households to abandon traditional cooking methods that relied on wood, coal, and dung-based fuels. These conventional methods not only posed serious health risks but also contributed significantly to air pollution in the capital region.
Expanding Coverage Through Comprehensive Survey
Looking toward the future, the Delhi government announced plans to conduct an extensive survey to identify households that still lack LPG connections. Official sources confirmed that this survey will enable the administration to provide cooking gas connections to all remaining eligible families, ensuring no household is left behind in this crucial health and environmental initiative.
Chief Minister Gupta articulated the government's vision clearly, stating that ensuring LPG availability in every household serves dual purposes: protecting women's health from harmful kitchen smoke and advancing Delhi toward cleaner air and a pollution-free future. The government remains determined to systematically phase out wood and coal-based cooking practices across the city.
Winter Initiatives and Broader Environmental Measures
Beyond the kitchen, the Delhi government is implementing complementary measures to address pollution sources. In preparation for the winter season, security guards and night-shift workers are being provided with electric heaters to prevent wood burning during cold months. Additionally, awareness campaigns are underway to encourage laundry workers to transition from coal-based irons to cleaner gas or electric alternatives.
These coordinated efforts demonstrate the administration's comprehensive approach to eliminating environmental hazards associated with traditional fuels and practices. The Wazirpur distribution event marks another milestone in Delhi's journey toward becoming a city with smoke-free kitchens and cleaner air for all residents.
