Delhi Government Unveils Comprehensive Pollution Control Plan Through 2028
The Delhi government has approved a detailed roadmap to tackle air pollution and clean the Yamuna river. This plan includes both short-term and long-term measures with fixed deadlines extending to December 2028.
Key Measures to Combat Air Pollution
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced several specific actions. The government will install special misting systems at sixty-two identified pollution hotspots across the capital. These systems will also be placed along major traffic corridors and PWD roads to control harmful PM2.5 particles.
Mechanical road sweeping will expand to cover more stretches throughout Delhi. Dust mitigation plans from multiple agencies have been reviewed and approved. These agencies include the Public Works Department, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Delhi Development Authority, the New Delhi Municipal Council, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the Cantonment Board.
Waste Management and Transport Upgrades
The government addressed the issue of garbage mountains. A detailed plan ensures all fresh municipal waste will be processed through waste-to-energy projects by the 2026-27 period.
Transportation improvements form a major part of the strategy. Discussions covered the Phase 5 expansion of the Delhi Metro network. The plan also requires thousands of new buses by 2028 and the construction of large bus terminals.
To strengthen last-mile connectivity, the government will increase the number of electric autos. It will create more electric vehicle infrastructure and launch mobile applications for better transport access. Adequate parking facilities at metro stations will also be developed.
Yamuna River Cleanup Efforts
To improve the cleanliness of the Yamuna, the Delhi government decided to set up additional biogas plants. It will ensure industries install proper effluent treatment plants and sewage treatment plants. This move aims to prevent the discharge of untreated waste into the river.
Financial Support and Regional Cooperation
The government announced enhanced financial support to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Under this support, the number of material recovery facilities will increase from seventy to two hundred and fifty across the city.
Minister Sirsa said discussions would be held with the central government and adjoining states. These include Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The goal is to jointly improve air quality in the Delhi-NCR region.
Political Comments During Announcement
During the press conference, Minister Sirsa also commented on a separate political issue. He referenced a row related to Sikh Gurus. Sirsa alleged that Leader of Opposition Atishi avoided facing the House and the public after her contentious remarks in the Assembly.
He stated that the Punjab Police had sought more time for the third time. Sirsa claimed the same police registered a case within hours but now cannot explain the basis of that case even after ten days. He alleged dishonest intent and evasion of accountability.
The ruling BJP has accused Atishi of using insensitive words during an Assembly discussion on January 6. The discussion marked 350 years of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das, and Bhai Dayala. The BJP has demanded an apology from her.
