NEW DELHI: Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Saturday said Delhi’s winter action plan to combat pollution in the coming months was now ready and it would soon be formally announced by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Speaking at the launch of the 67th Wildlife Week at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Rai said the Delhi government was making efforts to not only protect the existing green cover but also to add more each year. “Visitors at the sanctuary will soon be provided electric cars and guides. Online ticketing services will commence soon. A cycle track has also been inaugurated inside,” he further said.
The minister said the Delhi government had so far planted 22 lakh saplings this year and the yearly target of 33 lakh saplings was to be completed by March 2022.
“Recently, we had a meeting with different departments, private construction agencies, RWAs and we took suggestions from all these people on what measures can be taken to improve the environment of Delhi. Suggestions have come to us from all departments and on October 4, the winter action plan of Delhi will be announced by the chief minister,” said Rai on Saturday.
Asking people to help the government fight air pollution, the minister said many people were not aware that there was a butterfly park and a large waterbody known as Neeli Jheel inside Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. “The government has given priority to the jheel’s beauty and people can come here to experience how it feels if we plant trees around us and how clean the air is. Those who visit here will be given the convenience of an electric car so that they can experience these pure surroundings we are aiming to build,” said Rai.
The winter action plan will have 10 key focus areas, which have been identified to control pollution in the region. These include pollution from stubble burning, vehicular pollution, dust pollution, open-waste burning, pollution hotspots in Delhi and better coordination through the existing war room on pollution and the Green Delhi app.
