Tackling air pollution in the national capital will require action across several sectors, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, stressing that there is no single solution to the problem.
Responding to a question from The Statesman on how the government plans to address the city’s air quality crisis, Gupta said reducing transport emissions will remain a key priority. The government, she said, is pushing electric mobility and expanding the electric bus fleet to cut dependence on vehicles that contribute to pollution.
“Air pollution is one of the most complex challenges Delhi faces, and there is no single solution. It requires a multi-sector strategy,” Gupta said.
She added that the government is also focusing on strengthening environmental infrastructure, including cleaning drains and improving water systems, as part of broader ecological restoration linked to the Yamuna river.
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Urban management measures will also play an important role. According to the Chief Minister, steps such as stricter dust control at construction sites, end-to-end road paving and greening, automated misting systems along major roads and green budgeting are being planned to help reduce pollution levels in the city.
“First, transport emissions must be reduced. This is why we are pushing aggressively for electric mobility and expanding the electric bus fleet to reduce dependence on polluting vehicles. Second, we are strengthening environmental infrastructure with cleaning drains and improving water systems as part of broader ecological restoration efforts connected to the Yamuna river system. Third, urban management practices such as dust control at construction sites, road maintenance with end-to-end road paving and greening, automated misting systems across major roads and green budgeting will play a major role.”
Gupta also emphasised that Delhi’s pollution problem cannot be solved by the city alone.
“Air pollution in Delhi is also a regional problem involving neighbouring states and agricultural practices. Therefore, cooperation with the central government and surrounding states is essential,” she said.