Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced mandatory installation of anti-smog guns for all high-rise buildings, hotels, commercial complexes, and construction sites to combat air pollution. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive roadmap and data on major pollution sources, including Delhi Airport. Sirsa signaled potential new laws for stricter pollution control and plans to transition all airport vehicles to green alternatives. By 2026, 10,000 electric vehicles will be introduced, and landfill waste reduction initiatives will commence. Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari urged the government to target key pollution sources for more effective, long-term solutions.
New Delhi:
The Delhi Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, announced on Saturday that all high-rise buildings, hotels, commercial complexes, key establishments such as airports, and construction sites must implement anti-smog guns to mitigate air pollution levels.
Emphasizing that Delhi must address its own issues before requesting action from others, Manjinder Singh Sirsa instructed all relevant departments to develop a comprehensive roadmap for pollution management and requested data regarding key sites, including Delhi Airport, responsible for the city’s air pollution.
During a high-level meeting with officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Manjinder Singh Sirsa stressed the importance of strict pollution control measures and mentioned that new legislation may be introduced if deemed necessary.
Environmental pollution was a significant topic during elections in Delhi, with the BJP criticizing the previous AAP government for its inability to manage the situation.
The MCD has been tasked with compiling a detailed inventory of both existing and under-construction high-rise buildings that will adhere to the new pollution control standards. Distinct guidelines will be established for current buildings and future projects, ensuring stricter adherence to environmental rules, stated Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
The minister also unveiled plans for converting all vehicles operating within the airport to green alternatives and encouraged major establishments to enhance pollution control efforts by increasing greenery around them.
“By 2026, we aim to introduce a minimum of 10,000 electric vehicles in Delhi, and initiatives will be implemented to significantly decrease landfill waste, with parks and forests created on rehabilitated landfill sites,” Manjinder Singh Sirsa remarked.
Furthermore, he indicated that cloud seeding might be explored as a measure to address pollution during high smog periods, with all required permissions and processes expedited.
He also noted that prominent institutions like IIT Delhi and other local colleges would play a role in pollution control initiatives.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that before assigning blame to others, Delhi must first work to decrease its own pollution levels.
“Fifty percent of Delhi’s pollution originates within the city. We must resolve our issues internally before expecting action from others,” he added.
Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari commented that the government should “prioritize controlling emissions and tackling major pollution sources such as industries, construction activities, and fossil fuel plants situated in urban areas that significantly contribute to air pollution.”
Kandhari noted that while anti-smog guns and water spraying can help manage pollution to some extent, they do not offer comprehensive solutions. Anti-smog guns may be ineffective at construction sites, although water spraying can aid in dust control in these locations.
“Hence, the government should implement policies that yield impactful and long-lasting results,” she asserted.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)