On Friday, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the development of a collaborative winter action plan to address the capital's escalating air pollution.
He said consultations will be held with all 33 relevant departments in a meeting scheduled for September 5 to prepare the winter action plan. A statement said that the decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Rai.
Rai emphasised that the action plan, focusing on 14 critical areas, will target issues such as vehicular emissions, dust pollution, stubble burning, and waste management.
He stressed that the comprehensive winter action plan aims to combat pollution through various approaches, including the enhancement of monitoring technology and communication using the Green War Room and Green Delhi application. Additionally, efforts will be directed towards regulating industrial emissions, increasing green spaces, and raising public awareness and involvement.
In addition, the plan aims to address the pressing need to control pollution in specific areas and regulate the use of firecrackers during festivals, as it significantly affects air quality.
The Delhi government, in coordination with the central government and neighbouring states, aims to establish a strong framework for reducing pollution and improving air quality during the winter months.
Rai mentioned that the collaborative effort will involve senior officials from various agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), Cantonment Board, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Public Works Department (PWD), Traffic Police, Transport Department, Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Board Commission (DPCC), and Development Department.
Rai stated that the action plan would target pressing issues like dust pollution, vehicle emissions, stubble burning, open garbage burning, industrial pollution, upgrading the Green War Room and Green app, locating and addressing pollution hotspots, conducting real-time source apportionment studies, increasing green areas and tree plantations, establishing an e-waste eco-park, encouraging public participation, regulating firecrackers, holding discussions with the central government and neighbouring states, and implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Rai pledged that prioritising the implementation of GRAP will ensure that all measures are effectively enforced to attain the desired outcomes in air quality management.
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