10,000 electric vehicles to be run in Delhi

New Delhi: Delhi (Delhi)  Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that to reduce the level of air pollution, it will be mandatory to install ‘anti-smog guns’ in all high-rise buildings, hotels, commercial complexes and major establishments like airports and construction sites. Sirsa said that Delhi will have to improve its system before expecting action from others. He also directed all the concerned departments to prepare a detailed blueprint to deal with pollution and sought data on the role of other major sites including Delhi airport in air pollution in the national capital.

Emphasis on stringent pollution control measures

Chairing a high-level meeting with officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Sirsa stressed the need for stringent pollution control measures and said that if necessary, new laws will be brought. Rising pollution in Delhi was a major election issue and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to curb it. The MCD has been asked to provide a detailed list of existing and under-construction high-rise buildings that will be subject to the new pollution control norms. Sirsa said there will be separate guidelines for existing buildings and upcoming projects, ensuring strict compliance with environmental rules.

10,000 electric vehicles to be plied

Sirsa said, “At least 10,000 electric vehicles will be plied in Delhi by the year 2026 and steps will be taken to significantly reduce landfill waste, and parks and forests will be developed at cleaned landfill sites.” He also said that IIT Delhi and other colleges of Delhi will be involved in pollution control efforts. Sirsa stressed that Delhi has to reduce its pollution levels before blaming others. Sirsa said, “Fifty percent of Delhi’s pollution comes from within the city itself. We need to fix our own problems first before demanding action from others.” Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari said the government should “focus on controlling emissions and preventing major sources of pollution like industries, construction activities and fossil fuel plants located in the heart of cities, which add to the air pollution.”