Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, unveiled a 15-point “Winter Action Plan” on Friday in an effort to reduce pollution in the capital during the winter. Every winter, the city has worsening pollution and air quality. To combat this, CM Arvind Kejriwal outlined a number of steps the administration would take to lessen air pollution and dust in the city. He declared that this time, a “green war room” would be set up, and 5,000 acres would be covered by biodecomposers. The CM also disclosed the formation of a number of teams to keep an eye on, among other things, the city’s vehicle pollution, construction site dust pollution, and regulation compliance.
Delhi CM Kejriwal Emphasizes Effective Measures to Reduce Stubble Burning
On stubble burning, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, “In Punjab, we formed our Government in March last year. The data from last year shows the steps taken in 6-7 months led to a 30% reduction in stubble burning. This year Bhagwant Mann has taken several steps. One of which is the diversification of crops – instead of paddy grow other crops. This will save water and lower stubble burning. It has yielded good results. Secondly, the varieties of paddy – the short-term varieties have. This has less stubble and it need not be burnt. Ex-situ management of stubble – for this a few companies have adopted districts and will carry their stubble to convert it into manure or electricity…I think there should be improvement this year.”
Delhi CM Kejriwal’s Focus on Pollution Hotspots and Stubble Burning Reduction
“We have identified 13 hotspots where pollution is high. We have a special action plan for each hotspot. A war room and 13 special teams have been made to keep pollution down in these hotspots,” he said. Regarding the issue of burning stubble, he stated that data from Punjab from the previous year reveals that the actions taken in 6-7 months resulted to a 30% reduction in stubble burning. The diversification of crops is one among the measures implemented by the Punjabi administration, he continued, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “This will save water and lower stubble burning,” he said.
Delhi CM Kejriwal’s Multi-Pronged Approach to Tackle Pollution
“…Secondly, the varieties of paddy – the short-term varieties have. This has less stubble and it need not be burnt. Ex-situ management of stubble – for this a few companies have adopted districts and will carry their stubble to convert it into manure or electricity…I think there should be improvement this year,” the Chief Minister said. “There were two thermal power plants in Delhi, both of them have been shut now. Heavy fines are being imposed over those responsible for dust pollution. Industrial units in Delhi earlier used polluting fuel but now they have been shifted to piped natural gas (PNG),” CM Kejriwal said.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Pollution
According to the CM, government actions caused a decrease in the city’s pollution levels. The CM stated that “530 water sprinklers will be deployed,” and that “611 teams will monitor open garbage burning, smog guns, and these activities.” “385 teams will check vehicles’ ages and pollution certificates; 90 roads with heavy traffic will be identified, and alternate routes will be publicised,” he continued. In order to reduce traffic congestion, the CM claimed that 90 congested roads have also been identified and would be closely monitored. He also mentioned a number of awareness campaigns that would be launched in an effort to enlist public support for pollution reduction.
Delhi’s Special Action Plan for 13 Pollution Hotspots
Nearly two weeks have passed since Kejriwal met with 28 departments. 13 hotspots in the nation’s capital have been identified by the Delhi administration, which also stated that a special plan will be developed for them. Gopal Rai had stated in a media interview that “we convened a meeting with 28 departments today and have instructed all to present their winter action plans by September 25. There are 13 of these hotspots, and a unique plan will be developed for them.
Delhi’s 15-Point Winter Action Plan
“The 15 points that we will focus on are – hotspots, stubble pollution, vehicular pollution, open garbage burning, industrial pollution, green war room, real-time apportionment study, complete ban on firecrackers, tree plantation, urban farming, eco waste park, public awareness, communication with the Centre, neighbouring states and implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan),” Rai said, as quoted by PTI.
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