Delhi Gears Up for Winter Action Plan to Combat Air Pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the organization of a conference to develop a Winter Action Plan to curb the city's air pollution. Experts from 36 institutions and officials from 42 government departments will participate. The plan will focus on key areas like dust pollution, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced the government will convene a conference on Thursday, bringing together environmental experts from 36 institutions and officials from 42 government departments to devise an effective Winter Action Plan aimed at combating the city's rising air pollution levels.

Expressing concerns over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi during winter, Rai emphasized, ''Our primary goal this year is to control pollution through public participation.'' The conference will include agencies such as the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Among other key participants are the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), India Meteorological Department (IMD), and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Renowned institutions like IIT, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) will also contribute to the discussions.

Rai underlined the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, ''The opinions and suggestions from the environmental experts and government officials will be crucial in crafting an effective Winter Action Plan.''

The minister highlighted the government's strategic focus, emphasizing areas such as dust pollution, vehicular emissions, stubble and garbage burning, industrial pollution, and the expansion of green spaces.

The action plan will also cover the enforcement of firecracker bans and the use of the Green Delhi app, alongside operations of the Green War Room, which monitors real-time pollution levels and hotspots across the city.

Rai stressed the significance of the conference in fostering cooperation between the Delhi government, the Centre, and neighboring states, stating, ''The suggestions from this roundtable conference will guide our efforts in reducing air pollution and ensuring a healthier environment for Delhi's residents.''

(With inputs from agencies.)