Rekha Government in Action Against Pollution; Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Launches “Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025”

New Delhi, June 3, 2025:Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, today launched the “Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025″ at the Delhi Secretariat. She informed that the plan is themed on “Shuddh Hawa Sabka Adhikar – Pradushan Par Zordar Prahar” which reflects the Delhi Government’s decisive strategy to combat air pollution. Addressing the press, the Chief Minister stated,” Providing clean air to the people of Delhi is our duty. This plan is not just a document, but a robust roadmap to protect the health of our citizens in the coming years. It lays the foundation for a clean, green, and healthy Delhi.” Cabinet Ministers Shri. Ashish Sood, Shri. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Shri. Kapil Mishra were also present during the press conference.

The Chief Minister elaborated that this is the most scientific, comprehensive, and actionable plan Delhi has seen so far to combat pollution. It combines modern technology, public participation, and strict enforcement. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a multifaceted action plan under the “Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025,” aimed at significantly improving Delhi’s air quality through technological innovations and robust implementation and focuses on 8 major areas.

She said, “For the first time, a Startup Innovation Challenge will be launched to promote cost-effective and impactful pollution control technologies. In collaboration with IIT Kanpur, a cloud seeding pilot project will assess the effectiveness of artificial rain in reducing airborne dust. Additionally, the government will sign MoUs with leading scientific institutions to identify and deploy cutting-edge solutions for air pollution control.

To tackle dust pollution, 200 mechanical road sweepers, 70 electric litter pickers, 38 water tankers, and 20 dump vehicles will be deployed. Over 1,000 water sprinklers and 140 anti-smog guns will operate year-round (excluding monsoon), monitored via GPS and cameras, with night-time operation planned to avoid traffic disruptions. Anti-smog guns will be made mandatory in all high-rise commercial buildings (above 3,000 sq. meters), malls, and hotels. A comprehensive road survey will inform a targeted repair and maintenance action plan. Moreover, mist sprayers will be installed at 13 major pollution hotspots and on central verges using electric utility poles.

She further said that In the construction sector, projects above 500 sq. meters must register on the DPCC portal and display registration details on-site. An AI-based system will be deployed for automatic notices and penalties for dust violations. The building plan approval process will now mandate 14-point dust control measures, linked with the DPCC web portal. Soon, an upgraded AI-powered DPCC Web Portal 2.0 will be launched in beta version, featuring geo-tagging, interactive dashboards, automated alerts, and auto-generated compliance documents to enhance transparency and efficiency. Also, The Tehkhand Plant’s C&D waste processing capacity is being expanded to 1,000 TPD, with all government construction agencies mandated to use 100% recycled products from this waste.

To reduce vehicle emissions, ANPR cameras and digital displays will be installed at city borders and petrol pumps to detect and block entry of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). Also SMS alerts will be sent to ELV owners in neighbouring states to make them aware. Starting November 1, 2025, only BS-VI, CNG, and electric goods vehicles (LGVs, MGVs, HGVs) will be allowed into Delhi.

To support the electric vehicle transition, the government is rapidly expanding EV charging infrastructure across commercial hubs, malls, airports, bus stands, railway stations, and municipal parking sites. All PUC (Pollution Under Control) centers will be upgraded and audited bi-annually. Additionally, 2,299 e-autos will be deployed at metro stations, and 2,080 electric buses will be added to the public transport fleet by year-end.

To mitigate traffic congestion, a Smart Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) will be implemented, alongside improved parking management to reduce road crowding. The government is also targeting landfill site elimination, with Okhla to be cleared by March 2027, Bhalaswa by December 2027, and Ghazipur by September 2028. Waste segregation at source will be enforced in coordination with the municipal corporation.

To prevent biomass burning, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will be given guidelines to provide electric heaters for guards and staff to avoid burning wood or waste for warmth. Air quality monitoring will also be expanded, with six new monitoring stations to be set up across the city.

In the industrial sector, a new Green Industrial Policy is under development to convert polluting units into service-based and clean production units, offering incentives to industries that adopt environmentally friendly practices. Finally, inspired by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine sankalp, a massive tree plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign will be launched on June 5, aiming to plant 70 lakh saplings across Delhi this year.

Chief Minister Gupta urged all citizens to become “Environment Doot” and join hands with the government to make Delhi’s air cleaner and healthier for all.