Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled a comprehensive and decisive plan to tackle the escalating pollution and traffic challenges in the national capital, Delhi, while during a high-level review meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister made it clear that her government would adopt a 'zero-tolerance' policy against factors contributing to pollution. The meeting saw the presence of Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with senior officials from the Environment, Transport, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, PWD, and Traffic Police departments, who deliberated on several effective decisions for pollution control. These decisions include a strict stance against waiving Pollution Under Control (PUC). Challans and exploring pool and share e-bus services in the Delhi-NCR region.
No More Waivers for Pollution Under Control (PUC) Challans
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken the toughest stance against vehicles that are polluting the roads without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Currently, there is a provision for a hefty fine of Rs 10,000 on polluting vehicles. However, the Chief Minister noted that vehicle owners often resort to Lok Adalat to Importantly reduce this. Fine, which diminishes the fear of penalty and makes people less serious about ensuring their vehicles are pollution-free.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unequivocally stated that challans for polluting vehicles won't be waived under any circumstances. She issued clear directives to officials that the government wouldn't hesitate. To approach the courts if necessary to ensure these challans are enforced. The government's primary goal isn't revenue collection but to provide clean air to the citizens of Delhi, and all possible stringent measures will be taken to achieve this objective.
Exploring E-Bus Services with Ola and Uber
To reduce pollution and promote public transport, the Delhi government will soon engage in discussions with leading companies like Ola and Uber. The main objective of this initiative is to explore the possibilities of operating 'pollution-free shared ride buses' in the Delhi-NCR region. If these companies operate electric or pollution-free buses, it will Notably reduce the pressure of private vehicles on the roads and make the public transport system more environmentally friendly, while the Chief Minister emphasized that making the capital a 'zero-emission' city is one of her top priorities, and private partnerships can play a crucial role in achieving this.
New Guidelines to Streamline E-Rickshaw Operations
Uncontrolled e-rickshaws on the capital's roads are a major cause of traffic jams. Traffic congestion leads to increased fuel consumption by vehicles, which directly contributes to higher pollution levels. To address this serious issue, the Chief Minister announced that the Delhi government would soon issue new 'E-rickshaw Guidelines, while ' These regulations will organize the operating areas and routes of e-rickshaws, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing disruptions. This step won't only ease traffic but also indirectly help in reducing pollution.
Rationalizing DTC Bus Routes for Enhanced Connectivity
To further strengthen and make public transport more effective, the government has decided to rationalize the routes of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, while according to the Chief Minister, DTC's reach should extend to every area and every street of Delhi so that more people can benefit from it. Scientific and rational route planning will improve last-mile connectivity, encouraging people to use public bus services instead of private vehicles. This initiative will help control air pollution by reducing reliance on private transportation.
CM's Strict Directives for Coordinated Action
According to sources associated with the Delhi government, a draft of a new policy concerning electric vehicles (EVs) is expected by the first week of January, while this new EV policy is being prepared to offer significant relief to the middle class, along with substantial subsidies for two-wheelers. Information suggests that a subsidy of Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 could be provided for shifting a two-wheeler from petrol to an EV. Also, owners of petrol-diesel cars valued up to Rs 20 lakh who switch to EVs will also receive government subsidies, while this policy will play a crucial role in reducing pollution by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed all concerned departments to. Work in mutual coordination and implement these decisions with immediate effect. The Chief Minister stated that the Delhi government is fighting a comprehensive and multi-faceted war against pollution. The government's stance is clear: it won't shy away from taking the toughest decisions for environmental protection. The government isn't only modernizing public transport but also ensuring heavy fines and legal action against those who violate the rules. The Chief Minister affirmed that her government is fully serious and dedicated to making Delhi clean and green.
