kejriwal-govt-preps-for-winter-pollution-control

The Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi is intensifying its efforts to tackle air pollution as winter approaches. The state government has begun comprehensive preparations to address the air quality challenges that worsen during the colder months.

 

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai convened a high-level meeting with key officials from various departments including the Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Development Department. This meeting aimed to strategize and coordinate the efforts necessary to combat pollution effectively.

 

Minister Rai announced that a ‘Save Environment’ Round Table Conference is scheduled for August 21 at the Delhi Secretariat. This conference will bring together environmental experts to formulate a winter action plan. The focus of this year's initiative will be on enhancing public participation in pollution control efforts. Rai emphasised that the government’s approach will be collaborative, involving input from experts and the general public to craft a robust strategy.

 

During the review meeting, several critical issues were identified. The discussion highlighted key areas such as dust pollution, vehicle emissions, stubble burning, and the burning of garbage, which exacerbates pollution levels in winter. Minister Rai noted that garbage burning is a significant issue, particularly in various localities.

 

Industrial pollution also emerged as a major concern. The government plans to ensure that all registered industrial units in Delhi are converted to operate on piped natural gas (PNG), which is a cleaner alternative.

 

Additionally, the Green War Room and the Green Delhi App will be upgraded to improve communication with residents and address complaints more efficiently.

 

The Delhi government is also focusing on pollution hotspots—areas that experience the highest levels of pollution. A real-time apportionment study will be conducted to better understand the sources and causes of pollution in these critical areas.

 

One innovative initiative is the development of India’s first E-Waste Eco Park, located in Holambi Kalan village. This eco park will adhere to a zero-waste policy, aiming to manage electronic waste sustainably.

 

The government also plans to increase green spaces across Delhi and run awareness campaigns to educate the public about pollution and its impacts. A significant part of the strategy includes a ban on firecrackers, which are known to contribute significantly to air pollution during festivals.

 

Coordination with the central government and neighbouring states will be crucial for joint efforts to control pollution. The Delhi government will also implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as part of its broader strategy.

 

The August 21 conference will be pivotal in finalising the winter action plan based on expert suggestions. The goal is to devise a comprehensive and actionable plan to address various pollution sources effectively.

 

Minister Rai expressed optimism that the expert input from the conference will enable the Delhi government to implement necessary measures and improve air quality throughout the city.