Delhi Government to Implement Strict Actions Against Air Pollution: Minister
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Synopsis
Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle severe pollution issues in the city, emphasizing the need for immediate action against air and water contamination.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi faces severe air and water pollution challenges.
- Old vehicles will be phased out to reduce pollution.
- Funds for pollution control have largely gone unused.
- Industries must control emissions and adopt green practices.
- Government plans to increase greenery across the city.
New Delhi, March 1 (NationPress) The Environment Minister of Delhi, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, declared on Saturday a range of stringent measures aimed at tackling the severe pollution crisis in the capital.
Following a three-and-a-half-hour high-level meeting, Sirsa emphasized that pollution, especially air and water pollution, is the most pressing issue facing the city.
"The primary challenge in Delhi is pollution, with both air and water being severely contaminated. Today's meeting focused on understanding the disease causes and their remedies. A major conclusion was that the previous administration took no actionable steps to mitigate pollution, whether in air or water," stated Sirsa.
The minister detailed that Delhi is confronting three key forms of pollution: air pollution, dust pollution, and pollution resulting from vehicles and construction activities. He condemned the former government for not effectively utilizing the resources allocated for pollution control.
"Funds designated for pollution management have gone largely unspent, with thousands of crores remaining unused. Monitoring of vehicles was poorly managed, and although funds were allocated for water sprinkling, little meaningful work has occurred in this area," he remarked.
In a significant move against vehicular pollution, Sirsa revealed that older vehicles will be systematically phased out.
"No fuel will be provided to old vehicles after March 31. We will also target two-wheelers that are 15 years old, which will similarly be denied fuel," he highlighted.
A dedicated team will be established to identify these vehicles, enlisting the help of students from Delhi University.
The government will also focus on large industries and organizations that are major contributors to pollution. "Large entities that significantly pollute Delhi will be required to regulate their emissions. If they are part of the pollution problem, they must also adopt greener practices," Sirsa asserted.
He further noted that all high-rise buildings in Delhi will be required to utilize smoke guns to mitigate pollution arising from construction dust.
The Delhi government has set ambitious objectives to enhance greenery throughout the city. "Airports will be transformed to be 100% green, and we will combat pollution by establishing new forest areas in Delhi," Sirsa announced.
