On Wednesday, the Delhi government launched a detailed 21- point Winter Action Plan, stressing upon real- time screening of pollution using drones, deploying special task forces and applying emergency measures, like artificial rain and vehicle rationing schemes, to handle the rising air pollution levels in the Capital.
Environment minister Gopal Rai, unveils the plan at the Delhi Secretariat, and said that the theme for this year is ‘Mil Kar Chalein, Pradushan Se Ladein’ and for that public participation is important. For the first time, drones will do the work for screening of air quality at Delhi’s pollution hot spots, and an STF, consisting of six members, will ensure enforcement of pollution control measures.
He also said that the plan which immediately came into action includes an anti- dust campaign from October 7.
The Delhi government prepares a Winter Action Plan every year, but it has very little effect on peak pollution, which converts the city into a public health emergency.
Functioning of the drone under the Winter Action Plan in Delhi
First of all, drones will be executed to monitor 13 pollution hot spots in Delhi, which have continuously recorded more than an average level of PM2.5. Rai said that earlier pollution sources were being monitored manually. Through this there will be real- time identification and action against sources of pollution on the spot.
In 2018, being identified by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Tese highlighted areas are at Anand Vihar, Wazirpur, RK Puram, Rohini, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla, Bawana, Narela, Vivek Vihar, Ashok Vihar and Dwarka.
Picture credit: Hindustan Times
The annual average PM 2.5 with a concentration of 101 microns per cubic metre. The permissible level of PM2.5 is 40ug /m3, according to CPCB.
An experienced environment department official said that one to two are planned to be used at each hot spot, and a tender will be floated soon.
Public involvement
The Winter Action Plan aims to gather public involvement through several campaigns, which includes an anti- pollution march, an e-vehicle parade and the Red Light On initiative which will be presented at traffic signals, officials said. “Harit Ratna” award is being introduced by the government to recognise individuals, private companies, NGOs contributing to reduction of pollution.
Rai stated that the tendency of having poor, very poor and severe air quality index in a number of days reduced by 35% over a seven year span. In 2016, we included 243 days which were under high pollution, whereas in 2023, we had 159 such days. Rai said that the campaigns will be the core of this year’s efforts.
Under the anti- dust campaign from October 7, dust pollution at construction sites and roads will be controlled, Rai said.
He stated that over 200 anti- smog guns will also be installed in three shifts.
Emergency measures
The government has introduced artificial rain and Odd- even vehicle schemes as an emergency measure to grapple a sudden fluctuation in pollution levels, which is generally noted between November1 and 15. Last year, the AQI was very consistent in the very poor and severe levels.
Rai said that As per the plan, the government will motivate the people both in the private and government sectors to choose work from home.
Picture credit : India Today
He said that if needed, guidelines will also be addressed in the next few weeks devising work from home schedules.
A letter has been written to the Union environment minister for artificial rain to call for a meeting of all the important departments to discuss this, Rai said this, adding that departments who are responsible are working on the vehicle rationing scheme.
Sources for tackling
The Winter Action Plan 2024 aims to deal with several pollution sources, which adds up to open waste burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution. Rai stated that to decrease vehicular pollution, 360 teams will be appointed to monitor both Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and overage vehicles. Traffic police teams will be positioned on 134 roads for reduction of congestion.
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party president Virendra Sachdeva urged Rai to call all- party meeting on September 26 to confront stubble burning concerns, otherwise threatening to contact Punjab CM Sardar Bhagwant Mann on Friday.
