Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday announced a series of measures to curb air pollution in the national capital and the National Capital Region (NCR), including stricter enforcement of the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ policy, fortnightly road cleaning and the addition of 150 electric buses.
The announcements followed a meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and Sirsa.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Sirsa said the discussions focused on coordinated action between Delhi and the NCR to reduce pollution, with responsibilities assigned to different authorities.
"Today, a meeting focused on pollution in Delhi and the NCR was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, and myself. Action-orientated planning took place. We discussed how to reduce pollution in the NCR and the respective roles Delhi and the NCR would play in this effort," he said.
Sirsa said the government would step up enforcement of the vehicle pollution compliance policy as part of its efforts to improve air quality.
"Regarding the actions proposed in this meeting, our 'No PUCC, No Fuel' policy will be intensified," he added.
Delhi to undertake fortnightly road cleaning, set up heating spots
The Delhi government will undertake deep cleaning of roads every 15 days to remove accumulated dust and soil, Sirsa said, adding that teams comprising representatives from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) would be deployed.
The teams will include four people per vehicle, with the Delhi Police also being brought into the initiative, he said.
Sirsa also outlined plans to provide relief to people exposed to cold weather under the government's ‘Zero Burning’ initiative. Temporary shelters with heating arrangements, described as "heating spots", will be established.
“The plan is to carry out deep cleaning on roads every fortnight to ensure all soil and dust are removed... Our teams will consist of four people per vehicle, including representatives from the DPCC and MCD—and we are also tying up with the Delhi Police... Under the 'Zero Burning' initiative, we distributed heaters last time... This time, 'heating spots' will be created. Temporary shelters will be set up, equipped with heating arrangements. Arrangements will be made to ensure protection from the cold inside..." he said.
150 more electric buses to join Delhi fleet
Sirsa said Delhi currently has 588 electric buses in operation, with another 150 planned to strengthen public transport and help address vehicular emissions.
The government has also prepared a plan to tackle pollution and traffic congestion at identified hotspots, with inspections and corrective measures being carried out across the capital.
Sirsa said he was visiting the offices of all 11 district magistrates to review pollution-causing activities within a three-kilometre radius of these locations.
The review will focus on cremation grounds, dumping sites and construction and demolition waste facilities, among other sources of pollution.
"588 electric buses are currently operating in Delhi, and we are going to add another 150 buses to the fleet. One major initiative being undertaken concerns air quality and traffic congestion hotspots... We have devised a comprehensive plan for this and are actively working on it. I am visiting the offices of all 11 District Magistrates to review the activities causing pollution within a 3-kilometre radius of these hotspots. We are focusing on managing specific sites—such as cremation grounds, dumping sites, and construction/demolition waste sites—within this radius, working through the DMs to address these issues effectively,” he said.
Delhi to develop ‘brown patches’ to control roadside dust
The government will also develop green patches along road edges to prevent loose soil and dust from becoming airborne, Sirsa said. The initiative will involve public participation to encourage greenery and improve roadside conditions.
He said pollution levels at 42 of the 62 identified hotspots had already been brought under control, while work was continuing at the remaining locations.
“Out of the 62 pollution hotspots identified, pollution levels at 42 have already been brought under control, and we are continuing to work on the remaining ones... Creating 'brown patches' is crucial for greenery. We aim to address the issue of soil and dust rising from road edges by developing these 'brown patches' and greenery through a public participation campaign, bringing everyone together in the effort. We have also initiated a process for deep cleaning..." he added.