- Anti-Air Pollution campaign “Yudh Pradushan ke Virudh.”
- Government developing a “Green Delhi” mobile application.
- Alternatives for stubble burning and steps against brick kilns to be formulated.
THDNewsDesk, New Delhi: On Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal started a colossal anti-air pollution campaign, stating polluted air can be lethal given the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a digital press conference, Mr Kejriwal said that under this movement, “Yudh Pradushan ke Virudh,” different projects have been designed for all the 13 pollution hotspots in the city.
He also said, “Polluted air can be life-threatening in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both affect the lungs.”
Mr Kejriwal added that a “war room” is being established to guide his government’s anti-pollution measures. He also declared that the government is also developing a “Green Delhi” mobile application.
Chief Minister averred, “Using it, people can bring pollution-causing activities, such as garbage burning or industrial pollution, to our notice. There will be a deadline to address complaints. I will get a daily report about resolved and pending grievances.”
He further added, “In the last five years, Delhi’s pollution reduced by 25 per cent. We have to reduce it further for our families and our children, especially during COVID times, since our lungs are the worst affected due to Corona and pollution can worsen the situation further.”
Mr Kejriwal has also directed concerned departments to fill potholes to decrease dust emissions. According to, him it significantly contributes to air pollution in the city.
He also said, “Our teams will inspect construction sites across Delhi and impose heavy fines or challans if they are found not following the anti-pollution measures. Mechanical sweepers will be used intensively by MCDs across Delhi to ensure no pollution due to road dust. Anti-smog guns have also been installed across Delhi to reduce the impact of pollution.”
According to the Chief Minister, one of the largest reasons for excessive pollution in Delhi and nearby districts is stubble burning.
Mr Kejriwal said, “Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute here have found an economical way to deal with the problem. They have prepared a solution which can turn stubble into manure.”
He has urged the states adjoining Delhi to take a course of action to handle stubble burning by rendering substitutes to farmers.
He further added, “We are going to prepare this solution at a large scale from Tuesday under the supervision of experts from the institute. This solution will be used in Delhi this year. Next year, we will urge other states to use it.”
He also stated that 11 thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi had forgotten the December 2019 deadline to adhere to new emission norms. Mr Kejriwal said, “We shut down our two thermal power plants. These 11 plants need to reduce their emissions.”
He said, “I have spoken to many farmers in Punjab, they are very troubled due to pollution. But they do not have a choice and need support from the government.”
The chief minister will take a step against many brick kilns using primitive technology in nearby areas. He had already announced a subsidy on the adoption of electric vehicles.
These steps taken by the government will be some preventive measures to save our environment. In the end, we should try to take control of such adverse situations on our level. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
