CM Rekha launches air pollution mitigation plan

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched the ambitious Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, titled “Shuddh Hawa Sabka Adhikar – Pradushan Par Zordar Prahar”, aimed at tackling Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem through a multi-pronged approach involving advanced technology, stricter regulations and community participation.

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Addressing the media, CM Gupta said the government envisions a clean and healthy Delhi, stressing that air pollution directly impacts public health.

She emphasised that air pollution is a year-round challenge and not limited to a few months. So, the government plans to deploy 1,000 water sprinklers and 140 anti-smog guns that will operate throughout the year, except during the monsoon.

As part of the plan, mist sprayers have already been installed at 13 pollution hotspots across the city to help reduce particulate matter. The government has also made it mandatory for construction sites larger than 500 square meters to register on the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) portal and comply with 14 pollution control norms, with advanced technology being used to detect violations.

Gupta announced the installation of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at Delhi’s entry points to identify and restrict end-of-life vehicles from entering the city. Starting November 1, only BS-VI compliant, electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG vehicles will be permitted to enter Delhi from outside.

To promote cleaner public transport, the government plans to deploy 5,004 new electric buses, enhance bus stops and depots with innovative features like mist spraying and introduce 2,300 electric autos at Metro stations. A smart intelligent traffic system will be implemented to reduce traffic congestion and waiting times at red lights through intelligent synchronisation and electronic monitoring of traffic violations.

In addition, the plan includes developing an extensive EV charging infrastructure, creating 18,000 public and semi-public charging points across the city.

On the environmental front, the government aims to plant 70 lakh saplings this year under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a drive earlier launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government has also set target to eliminate landfill fires through bio-mining of legacy waste at Okhla by March 2027, Bhalswa by December 2027 and Ghazipur by September 2028.

The CM dismissed the idea of reinstating the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme, calling it inconvenient for citizens and emphasised the need for practical and effective measures. The government also plans to conduct audits of pollution under control certificate (PUCC) centres every six months to curb corruption and ensure genuine compliance.