Delhi: The Delhi Environment Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai announced on Sunday that the city has seen a 45% reduction in pollution thanks to the government’s long-term efforts. These efforts include providing 24/7 electricity, introducing 2,000 electric buses, and planting more trees across the city.
Speaking to ANI, Rai said, "All the figures of pollution levels in Delhi from January to December are out. We are benefiting from the long-term action plan made by the government. 2,000 electric buses have been brought to reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi. Diesel pollution has been reduced by guaranteeing 24/7 electricity in Delhi."
Rai also shed light on the increase in Delhi's green cover and the shift of polluting industries to cleaner energy. "All the industries that were polluting, we have shifted 100% of them to CNG. The forest green belt in Delhi has increased from 20% to 23.6%. Lakhs of trees have been planted in Delhi. The polluting thermal power plant in Delhi has been shut down. The result of this is that since our government has come to power, pollution has been decreasing," he added.
Looking ahead, Rai mentioned that the Delhi government is preparing a winter action plan to tackle seasonal air pollution and is open to suggestions from opposition parties. "The Delhi government has been working continuously for 12 months, but this time also we are making a winter action plan. I am writing a letter to the people of the BJP and the Congress party tomorrow. I request them to tell us if they have any suggestions. We will also include that in the winter action plan," Rai said.
Earlier, on 16th August, Gopal Rai held a meeting with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Environment Department to discuss strategies for the winter action plan. A joint action plan focusing on 14 key areas will be developed with input from 33 relevant departments.
With ANI inputs