Citizen participation essential for long-term pollution control: CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has stated that her government is working simultaneously on several fronts to effectively and sustainably control pollution in the capital. “Eliminating dust in the capital is our government’s priority,” she said, highlighting that the construction of wall-to-wall roads was being carried out at an accelerated pace.

The CM said MLAs had been provided with substantial funds, amounting to several crores of rupees, to ensure there were no hurdles in road construction. She also stressed the importance of public cooperation in pollution control, “Citizens’ participation is essential for long-term pollution control,” the CM added.

During her visit to the Shalimar Bagh Assembly Constituency, CM Gupta inaugurated and inspected several projects, including road construction, drain repairs, sewer line installation, high mast lights, park redevelopment and other civic facilities.

She noted that flying dust was a major contributor to pollution and wall-to-wall roads were an effective long-term solution. She instructed MLAs to ensure all new construction or repair works adhered strictly to this model and assured that additional funds would be provided if required.

Criticising previous administrations, the CM said they failed to tackle pollution seriously or develop proper roads. She added that her government was committed to finding permanent solutions and was taking concrete steps based on expert advice, backed by sufficient budget allocation.

She added that small interventions were also being implemented to control pollution. Night patrolling guards were given electric heaters to prevent burning wood or waste in winter and electric or gas powered irons were being supplied to press workers.

During the visit, Gupta inaugurated RMC construction works for drains and lanes in BH East and launched multiple projects, including water pipelines, park development, and installation of CCTV cameras. She inspected a senior citizen building and directed officials to complete pending works within deadlines.

She also inaugurated development works in Sahipur village, including the construction of a boundary wall around the johad, sewer line installation and other civic improvements. In BK-1 and BK-2 blocks, projects such as construction of lanes, drains, sewer lines, high mast lights, park redevelopment, swimming pool inspections, and gym and play station installations were launched, too.

CM Gupta reaffirmed that development works were progressing rapidly across Delhi and reiterated the government’s vision of building a ‘Viksit Delhi’.