No odd-even scheme, crackdown on old vehicles, EV push: What’s on Delhi’s plan to fight pollution
Stating that it inconvenienced the people of Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta added, “What if a family has only one vehicle at home? We must make decisions keeping in mind the needs and realities of Delhi's citizens.”
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Under the action plan, titled ‘Shuddh Hawa Sabka Adhikar – Pradushan Par Zordar Prahar’, the government will be installing sprinklers and anti-smog guns, which will be monitored using GPS, cameras, sensors and dashboards. (Express/Gajendra Yadav)The odd-even vehicle rationing scheme launched by the previous AAP government may not make a comeback this pollution season, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta calling it “troublesome”.
Stating that it inconvenienced the people of Delhi, Gupta added, “What if a family has only one vehicle at home? We must make decisions keeping in mind the needs and realities of Delhi’s citizens.”
The CM was speaking at the launch of the ‘Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025’ on Tuesday at the Delhi Secretariat. Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Kapil Mishra were also present.
Gupta said a clean and healthy Delhi is the government’s vision and reiterated that air pollution directly affects the health and well-being of citizens. The government aims to tackle air pollution through green initiatives, electric mobility expansion, traffic reforms, and scientific innovation.
Gupta stressed the need to convert Delhi’s transportation system to electric. To this end, 2,300 e-autos will be deployed at Delhi Metro stations and battery-operated e-rickshaws at various hubs. The government also intends to roll out 10,000 electric buses by 2027. By the year-end, 2,080 electric buses will be added to the fleet.
Under the action plan, titled ‘Shuddh Hawa Sabka Adhikar – Pradushan Par Zordar Prahar’, the government will also be installing sprinklers and anti-smog guns, which will be monitored using GPS, cameras, sensors and dashboards. “Mist sprayers will be installed on the already identified 13 pollution-causing hotspots across Delhi,” Gupta added.
The Chief Minister said pollution is affecting the quality of life. “And vehicles are a primary source of pollution, both outside and locally. Now, overage vehicles will be regulated at Delhi’s borders,” she said, adding that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at the city’s entry points to identify end-of-life vehicles.
Additionally, SMSes will be sent to overage vehicles registered in neighbouring states, warning them not to enter Delhi with effect from July 1.
The plan will also use AI to monitor pollution caused by construction and pollution sites. Now, every site measuring more than 500 sqm has to be registered with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and the registration should be displayed on the site. The DPCC portal will be equipped with AI to check if they flout the rules.
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, Bhalswa by December 2027, and Ghazipur by September 2028. Waste segregation at source will be enforced in coordination with the municipal corporation.
“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign will be launched on June 5, aiming to plant 70 lakh saplings across Delhi this year.
Taking a dig at the previous government, Gupta said, “Past governments treated pollution like a two-month problem, but the double engine sarkaar is tirelessly working on the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mitigate it from the roots.”
Sirsa said these steps have been thought out thoroughly by the government in the last 100 days.
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