Delhi’s Pollution Reduced by 45% Thanks to Government’s Efforts, Says Minister Gopal Rai

Delhi Environment Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai announced on Sunday that Delhi has seen a 45% reduction in pollution due to the government’s long-term actions. These actions include providing 24/7 electricity, introducing 2000 electric buses, and planting more trees.

Rai stated, “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.”

He also mentioned that the green belt cover in Delhi has increased, and polluting industries have been shifted to CNG. “All the industries that were polluting, we have shifted 100 per cent of them to CNG. The forest green belt in Delhi has been increased from 20 per cent to 23.6 per cent. 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, the pollution has been decreasing,” he added.

Rai further said that the Delhi government is preparing a winter action plan and will seek suggestions from the BJP and Congress. “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,” he said.

Earlier on August 16, Rai held a meeting with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Environment department to prepare the winter action plan against air pollution in the national capital. A joint action plan is to be prepared on 14 main focus points by meeting with all 33 concerned departments.