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Committed to make Delhi pollution-free, green: CM Rekha Gupta

In a recent address, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reaffirmed her administration's unwavering commitment to transforming Delhi into a pollution-free and green city. Speaking at a public event, CM Gupta outlined a comprehensive vision for tackling the chronic environmental challenges that have long plagued the national capital, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable development and cleaner air for Delhi's residents. Her remarks come at a time when Delhi continues to grapple with severe air quality issues, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels often reach hazardous levels due to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and seasonal factors like stubble burning in neighboring states.

CM Gupta highlighted that pollution in Delhi is not just an environmental concern but a public health crisis that affects millions of lives. She pointed out that children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other serious health complications. The Chief Minister stressed that her government is determined to address these challenges through a multi-pronged approach that involves policy interventions, public participation, and the adoption of green technologies.

One of the key pillars of her administration’s strategy is the promotion of renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to air pollution in the city. CM Gupta spoke about initiatives to expand solar power infrastructure across Delhi, including the installation of solar panels on government buildings, residential complexes, and public spaces. She emphasized that transitioning to clean energy is not only essential for reducing emissions but also for ensuring long-term energy security for the capital. Additionally, the government is working on incentivizing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by expanding charging infrastructure and offering subsidies to encourage residents to switch from traditional fuel-based vehicles to more eco-friendly alternatives. The Chief Minister noted that the widespread adoption of EVs could significantly cut down vehicular emissions, which are a major source of pollution in urban areas like Delhi.

Another critical area of focus for CM Gupta’s administration is the enhancement of green cover in the city. She reiterated the importance of afforestation and urban greening as effective measures to combat pollution and improve air quality. The government has launched several tree plantation drives in collaboration with local communities, schools, and non-governmental organizations to increase the number of trees and green spaces in Delhi. These initiatives aim to create natural air filters that can absorb pollutants and provide much-needed oxygen to the city’s atmosphere. CM Gupta also mentioned plans to develop more parks and green belts, which would not only serve as recreational spaces for residents but also contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon that exacerbates pollution and discomfort in densely populated areas.

In addition to promoting green infrastructure, the Chief Minister addressed the issue of waste management, which plays a significant role in Delhi’s pollution problem. Improper disposal of solid waste, including plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, often leads to environmental degradation and contributes to air and water pollution. CM Gupta outlined her government’s efforts to strengthen waste segregation at the source, promote recycling, and reduce the burden on landfills. She also spoke about the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on responsible waste disposal practices and the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the administration hopes to minimize the environmental impact of waste and create a cleaner, healthier city.

The Chief Minister also touched upon the need for stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, particularly in industries and construction sectors, which are significant contributors to Delhi’s air quality woes. She assured that her government is working on implementing stringent regulations to ensure compliance with environmental standards and penalize violators. This includes regular monitoring of industrial emissions, mandating the use of dust suppression techniques at construction sites, and cracking down on illegal activities that harm the environment. CM Gupta emphasized that while the government is committed to economic growth and development, it will not come at the cost of the environment or public health.

Collaboration with neighboring states was another key point in CM Gupta’s address. She acknowledged that Delhi’s pollution problem cannot be solved in isolation, as a significant portion of the city’s air pollution is attributed to external factors such as stubble burning in agricultural regions of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister called for greater regional cooperation to address these cross-border issues and urged the central government to facilitate dialogue and coordinated action among states. She also highlighted the importance of providing farmers with viable alternatives to stubble burning, such as access to machinery for residue management and financial incentives for adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

Public participation was described as a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to make Delhi pollution-free. CM Gupta appealed to the citizens of Delhi to join hands with the administration in this mission by adopting eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. This includes reducing the use of private vehicles, conserving energy, minimizing waste, and actively participating in community-driven environmental initiatives. She emphasized that while the government can create policies and provide infrastructure, the success of these efforts ultimately depends on the collective will and actions of the people. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that with the support of Delhi’s residents, the city could set an example for the rest of the country in achieving sustainable urban development.

Furthermore, CM Gupta discussed the role of education and awareness in building a greener future. She mentioned that her government is working on integrating environmental education into school curriculums to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among young minds. By teaching children about the importance of protecting the environment and the impact of pollution on their lives, the administration hopes to nurture a generation that prioritizes sustainability. Community outreach programs are also being organized to engage with residents of all age groups and backgrounds, ensuring that the message of environmental conservation reaches every corner of the city.

In her concluding remarks, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated that making Delhi a pollution-free and green city is not just a goal but a moral imperative for her administration. She acknowledged that the journey ahead is challenging, given the scale of the problem and the complexities involved in addressing it. However, she expressed confidence that with the right policies, innovative solutions, and active participation from all stakeholders, Delhi can overcome its environmental challenges and emerge as a model of sustainable urban living. The Chief Minister’s vision for a cleaner, greener Delhi reflects a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

CM Gupta’s address serves as a clarion call for action, urging everyone—from policymakers and industry leaders to ordinary citizens—to play their part in this transformative journey. Her emphasis on renewable energy, green infrastructure, waste management, stricter regulations, regional cooperation, and public engagement paints a holistic picture of how Delhi can tackle its pollution crisis. While the road to a pollution-free city is long and fraught with obstacles, the Chief Minister’s determination and the comprehensive nature of her plans provide hope that meaningful progress is within reach. As Delhi continues to battle its environmental challenges, the leadership and vision articulated by CM Gupta could pave the way for a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for the capital. Her message is clear: the fight against pollution is a shared responsibility, and only through collective effort can Delhi breathe easy again.

Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/committed-to-make-delhi-pollution-free-green-cm-rekha-gupta-983925 ]