Will Odd-Even Scheme Return To Delhi Under BJP Govt? CM Rekha Gupta Responds At Launch Of Clean Air Plan

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched the 'Shuddh Hawa' plan, a multi-pronged anti-pollution strategy for 2025 including deploying 2,300 e-autos, installing mist sprayers, planting 7 million trees, and more.

File Photo of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Source : PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, introducing a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the national capital’s chronic air pollution. Emphasising that “clean and healthy Delhi” is the government’s dream, Gupta outlined key interventions while also criticising the previous AAP government’s odd-even car rationing scheme, calling it a form of harassment for citizens.

According to news agency ANI, the Chief Minister questioned the logic behind the scheme, saying, “This is like troubling the people of Delhi. If a family owns just one car, should they not step out of their home? You must implement measures that take into account the needs of Delhi’s citizens, like eliminating dust.”

“As I said, if machines are only operated for two months in a year, if water sprinklers are not consistently used, how will dust mitigation be effective? You have to eliminate brown areas, focus on dust mitigation, and ensure machines work all year round,” she added.

Delhi Govt Rolls Out ‘Shuddh Hawa’ Plan, To Deploy 2,300 E-Autos, Plan 70 Lakh Trees

Under the plan titled ‘Shuddh Hawa Sabka Adhikar – Pradushan Par Zordar Prahar’ (Clean Air is Everyone’s Right – A Strong Strike on Pollution), the Delhi government aims to roll out a series of initiatives. These include the deployment of 2,300 electric autos at metro stations, installation of mist sprayers at 13 major pollution hotspots, and planting of 70 lakh saplings as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, news agency PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier introduced this campaign, which blends environmental stewardship with a tribute to mothers. Gupta reiterated the city’s commitment to the programme, stating that the plantation drive would form a vital part of the 2025 roadmap.

As part of the anti-pollution measures, the Chief Minister also announced regular audits at Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) centres. “An audit of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) centres will be conducted every six months to prevent any corruption,” she said, according to PTI.

To further curb vehicular pollution and ease traffic congestion, the Delhi government plans to implement a Smart Intelligent Traffic System. Gupta added that starting from 1 November, only BS-VI compliant, CNG, and electric vehicles will be allowed entry into Delhi.

Additionally, construction sites measuring more than 500 square metres will be required to register on the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) portal, she noted.

With this robust plan, the Delhi government hopes to make significant strides toward improving air quality and ensuring a healthier future for its residents.