Controlling pollution a priority: CM

Amid worsening air quality in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday convened a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review the city’s pollution control measures. Stressing that controlling pollution remains a top priority, the Chief Minister directed officials to take immediate and decisive action against industrial units and vehicles found violating pollution norms.

The meeting was attended by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Development Minister Kapil Mishra, Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh, Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma and senior officials from various departments and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Gupta said multiple teams had been deployed across the city to identify and act against polluting units

and vehicles, while additional teams would focus on preventing garbage burning, a major contributor to smog during winter.

“Any negligence in pollution control efforts will not be tolerated,” she warned, adding that daily reports would be submitted to her and the Environment Minister.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to intensify water sprinkling and mechanical dust control in pollution hotspots. The MCD has been instructed to ensure regular cleaning of roads, lanes and markets and remove waste promptly.

Highlighting her government’s winter preparedness, Gupta said if pollution levels continue to deteriorate, the administration would explore providing heaters to night-duty security personnel stationed in colonies and marketplaces.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said all departments and agencies had been told to double the number of water sprinklers and keep enforcement tight. “Pollution control is our government’s top priority, and no carelessness in this matter will be tolerated,” he said, expressing confidence that the air quality situation would improve with coordinated efforts.