In a determined effort to fight Delhi’s worsening air pollution, the state government is preparing to roll out targeted micro-level interventions. At a high-level meeting chaired by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, officials and experts outlined a multifaceted strategy to tackle the capital’s toxic air, including promoting electric vehicles (EVs), managing construction dust, and enhancing public transport.
Key interventions discussed include dust suppression at construction sites, mechanised cleaning of narrow lanes, and regular tree-washing to reduce particulate matter. Experts from IIT-Delhi, TERI, and Clean Air Collective urged the government to prioritise EVs in all new registrations and take strict action against high-emission vehicles.
The push includes expanding the Delhi Metro network with a vision to provide access to metro stations within 400 metres of every citizen’s residence—aiming to reduce reliance on private transport.
Construction dust alone is said to contribute nearly 30% of Delhi’s PM pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is already addressing this issue through a dedicated online monitoring portal.
Minister Sirsa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clean air. “This is not just an environmental challenge—it’s a moral responsibility,” he said. “We will combat pollution with science, technology, innovation, and public participation. Every small step counts.”
To support enforcement, the government also plans to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at border points to stop unfit vehicles. An overhaul of the city’s parking policy is also on the cards to ease congestion and indirectly cut down vehicular emissions.
Implementation of several of these strategies will begin soon, the minister confirmed.
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