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In a bid to curb the burning of coal and wood during winter, the Delhi government on Saturday launched an initiative to distribute electric heaters to security guards working at apartment complexes and residential societies in the Capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the initiative at Dilli Haat in Pitampura where she handed over more than 1,000 heaters to representatives of various RWAs.
“In winter nights, security guards and others on patrolling duty often burn wood or coal to keep warm, which adds to air pollution. To prevent this and support those working outdoors at night, we have started this initiative,” the CM said. Over 10,000 electric heaters, Gupta said, will be distributed through CSR funding, calling it a “humane measure” and a new model of public participation.
She added that ironing vendors will be encouraged to shift from coal-based irons to gas or electric ones, and LPG connections will be provided to slum households under the Ujjwala Scheme.
Gupta said the government is taking strong and coordinated steps to improve Delhi’s air quality. “Modern machinery is being deployed to improve cleanliness, and all ministers and officials are continuously monitoring sanitation drives. Rapid progress is being made towards electrifying Delhi’s public transport system, and by the end of 2026, 100% of Delhi government buses will be electric,” she said.
She said the move would provide relief to night guards while helping curb open burning of traditional fuels. The event was attended by BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal, Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, MLA Tilak Ram Gupta, Rajkumar Bhatia, and representatives of several RWAs.
She stressed that combating pollution requires equal participation from citizens, institutions and RWAs.
Taking a swipe at the previous AAP government, Gupta criticised policies such as odd–even, calling them “inconvenient experiments” that burdened the public. “Our government is preparing long-term, scientific solutions, including exploring advanced technologies such as cloud seeding. While the Delhi government remains committed to finding solutions, the Opposition is confined to mere criticism,” the CM said.
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