New Delhi, March 1: In a significant move to tackle the escalating air pollution crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has directed all high-rise buildings, hotels, commercial complexes, and major establishments, including airports and construction sites, to install anti-smog guns. The directive aims to curb pollution levels and enhance air quality across the capital.
Government's Action Plan on Pollution Control
Chairing a high-level meeting with officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Sirsa emphasized the urgent need for stringent pollution control measures. He instructed all relevant departments to devise a comprehensive roadmap and sought detailed data on pollution contributions from key sites, including Delhi Airport.The MCD has been tasked with compiling a list of all existing and under-construction high-rise buildings, which will now be subjected to new pollution control regulations. Separate guidelines will be introduced for both existing structures and upcoming projects to ensure strict adherence to environmental standards.
Green Transition and Stricter Compliance Measures
To further the fight against pollution, Sirsa announced plans to transition all airport vehicles to eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, he urged major commercial and residential establishments to enhance green cover in their surroundings."By 2026, Delhi will introduce at least 10,000 electric vehicles to cut down emissions. Steps will also be taken to significantly reduce landfill waste, with parks and forests replacing cleaned landfill sites," Sirsa stated.
The minister also indicated that, if required, new laws would be enacted to fortify pollution control measures.
Exploring Cloud Seeding and Academic Involvement
Considering alternative methods to combat pollution, Sirsa proposed cloud seeding as a viable solution during peak smog months. He assured that all necessary permissions and procedures for implementing this technique would be expedited.The government also plans to involve top academic institutions, including IIT Delhi and other Delhi-based colleges, in formulating effective pollution control strategies.
Need for Internal Pollution Control
Sirsa underscored the importance of addressing internal sources of pollution before holding external factors accountable."Fifty percent of Delhi's pollution originates from within the city itself. We need to address our internal issues first before expecting external interventions," he remarked.
Environmentalists Call for Long-Term Solutions
Reacting to the government's measures, environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari stressed the need for broader policies targeting the root causes of pollution. She highlighted that while anti-smog guns and water sprinkling help manage pollution to some extent, they do not offer a permanent solution."Smoke guns are ineffective at construction sites, while water sprinkling helps control dust but does not address the core issue. The government must implement policies that deliver lasting impact," Kandhari asserted.
With air pollution remaining a critical concern for Delhi, these new measures signal the government's renewed commitment to tackling the crisis. However, experts continue to advocate for more substantial and long-term reforms to ensure sustainable air quality improvements.