Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Outlines Pollution Control Plan, Transport Sector To See Overhaul
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta plans to improve public transport by expanding electric buses and increasing charging points. The Delhi government will also enforce stricter anti-pollution measures.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has outlined a fresh plan which could help curb Delhi's pollution. The BJP, which was up in arms against the Aam Aadmi Party government till last year over the severe winter pollution in the national capital, has about 8 months to take preventive measures against pollution.
EV Fleet Expansion
CM Gupta highlighted that the previous government lacked proper monitoring and policymaking. She said her administration is committed to tackling air pollution. She pointed out that since many of Delhi's currently fleet of 2,400 CNG buses and 1,727 electric buses (EVs) are set to retire this year, the government has initiated new bus purchases.
"Our target is to have 5,500 EV buses by the end of this year and over 11,000 by 2026," she said. To improve public transport efficiency, bus routes will be adjusted based on congestion levels, ensuring more buses operate in high-traffic areas.
Additionally, the government plans to install 18,000 public EV charging points by 2026, with private sector collaboration pushing the total number of units to 48,000. Gupta also said that a new policy to encourage EV adoption will be introduced soon and stricter measures will be undertaken against vehicles older than 15 years.
Stricter Regulations On Outstation Vehicles
The Delhi government will introduce new policies for vehicles entering the city, with a tracking system powered by over 5,000 cameras. These cameras will monitor whether any vehicle exceeds the 15-year age limit.
Comprehensive Plan To Curb Air Pollution
Addressing the city’s air pollution crisis, CM Gupta identified dust particles as a major contributor. The government plans a holistic approach, including road development, pothole repairs, and extensive tree planting to reduce dust levels.
She slammed the previous government for taking "no action" to reduce pollution. Gupta said: "They kept instructing the MCD to take action but never provided funds, leading to no real work getting done. Under the new plan, the Delhi government will operate 1,000 water sprinkler machines across 250 wards, reducing reliance on external agencies."
New Air Quality Monitoring Systems
Gupta said Delhi’s Integrated Command and Control Centre would oversee environmental monitoring. Currently, the city has 40 air quality monitoring systems, but several fail to provide accurate data. To address this, six new monitoring systems will be installed.
Taking a swipe at the previous government, she said, “The previous government only took photos at landfill sites, but real work was never done.” She assured that with 80% of funding coming from the central government, the city would clear its landfill sites on time.
Additionally, a new E-Waste Eco Park will be developed to process electronic waste using scientific, pollution-free methods.
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