To control the rising pollution in Delhi during winters, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday announced a 21-point winter action plan. The main objective of this plan is to make Delhi’s air clean and pollution-free, in which many strict steps have been taken. Pollution will be curbed through measures like odd-even scheme, hotspot monitoring by drones, and work from home.
Preparation for odd-even and work from home
Gopal Rai said that due to the efforts of the Delhi government in the last few years, pollution has reduced by 34.6%. While there were 43 days of pollution in 2016, it has reduced to 159 days in 2023. This time the odd-even scheme will be implemented again and work from home will also be promoted keeping in mind the level of pollution.
Surveillance will be done through drones
This time, the Delhi government has planned to monitor pollution hotspots using drone technology. Also, special task forces will be deployed at 66 hotspots, which will keep a close watch on pollution. Strict steps will also be taken to prevent pollution from construction sites and vehicles.
Use of bio-decomposer
To reduce pollution caused by burning of stubble, this time the Delhi government will spray bio-decomposer for free on 5,000 acres of farmland, so that farmers don’t have to burn stubble and the environment also remains safe.
Appeal for cooperation from NCR states
Outside states also contribute to Delhi’s pollution. Gopal Rai said that 69% of pollution comes from outside sources. Therefore, he has appealed for cooperation from NCR states. He said that the Delhi government will work with the central government and neighboring states to reduce pollution.
Ban on firecrackers and increasing trend of electric vehicles
It has been decided to completely ban firecrackers in Delhi so that pollution during Diwali can be prevented. Along with this, promoting the electric vehicle policy, 3,21,132 e-vehicles have been registered in Delhi so far. Delhi is the first city in the country where thermal power plants have been closed and now only clean energy is being used.
Special monitoring and strict action
Real time monitoring is being done by the Delhi government through a web portal. Industries causing dust pollution are being fined, and the work of shifting to PNG is going on at a fast pace. The government aims to take strict action against all sources of pollution.
