Delhi to Formulate Joint Winter Action Plan to Combat Rising Air Pollution

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th August. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Friday that the city will develop a comprehensive winter action plan to address the escalating air pollution. A meeting with 33 relevant departments is set for September 5 to discuss the plan, which will focus on 14 critical areas, including vehicular emissions, dust pollution, stubble burning, and waste disposal.

Rai outlined that the action plan will employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating technology upgrades for better monitoring and communication through the Green War Room and Green Delhi app. The plan aims to control industrial emissions, expand green spaces, and enhance public engagement.

Key initiatives will include managing pollution hotspots and regulating firecracker use during festivals. The Delhi government seeks to collaborate with central and neighboring state authorities to create an effective pollution reduction framework for the winter months.

The action plan will involve senior officials from 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 emphasized that the plan will also address dust pollution, vehicular emissions, stubble burning, open garbage burning, industrial pollution, and the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The focus will be on real-time source apportionment studies, tree plantation, and promoting public participation.