To deal with the rising pollution in the capital, the Delhi government has taken a major decision. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday after a meeting with the Environment Department, MCD and NDMC that vehicles older than 15 years will not get petrol or diesel from April 1. A special team will be formed to identify such vehicles.
After the marathon meeting on Saturday, the Environment Minister said that the previous government did not take any concrete steps to reduce pollution. He also alleged that the funds allocated by the central government were not used properly, due to which the people of Delhi have to suffer poisonous air every year.
Three Major Causes of Rising Pollution
Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the three primary sources of pollution in Delhi – dust pollution, vehicular emissions and pollution from construction activities.
- Dust pollution – The previous government did not install sprinklers on the roads, which increased the amount of dust particles in the air.
- Vehicular emissions – Old vehicles on the roads are emitting smoke, making the air toxic.
- Pollution from construction activities – Technologies like anti-smog guns are not being used at construction sites, leading to increasing pollution levels.
Delhi Pollution: Check the Full Action Plan
The Delhi government has announced several major steps to curb pollution:
• From April 1, vehicles older than 15 years will not be allowed to refuel.
• Strict monitoring will be enforced on the entry of heavy vehicles into Delhi.
• High-rise buildings and commercial complexes must install anti-smog guns.
• University students will be involved in tree plantation drives.
• Forests will be developed on vacant land in Delhi.
• Large industrial units will be instructed to install new gadgets to reduce pollution.
• Cloud seeding technology will be implemented to induce artificial rain and clean the air when pollution levels rise.
Delhi to Tackle Its Own Pollution First Before Advising Other States
Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that more than 50% of pollution in Delhi is generated within the city. Therefore, the government will focus on reducing pollution in Delhi before discussing this issue with other states. He said that all government officials have been instructed to fully support this initiative.
It is worth noting that Delhi experiences severe pollution every winter, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases among residents.
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