Winter action plan unveiled by Delhi Chief Minister

Tags: Government Schemes

On 29 September 2023, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal introduced a 15-point 'Winter Action Plan' to tackle air pollution in the upcoming winter season.

An Overview of the News

• The 15-point 'Winter Action Plan' includes measures to tackle pollution and improve air quality in Delhi.

• Steps have been taken in Punjab to diversify crops, promote short-duration paddy varieties and encourage the conversion of stubble into energy or fertilizer.

Factors contributing to air pollution:

• The article highlights the factors that contribute to air pollution in NCR during winter, including low wind speeds, cold temperatures, stubble burning, vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants.

• Analysis last winter showed that Delhi had the highest levels of PM2.5 among 27 NCR towns and cities.

Pollution control measures and expert opinion:

• Pollution control measures in Delhi include enforcing dust pollution norms at construction sites, anti-smog guns, mechanized cleaning, PUC certificate checking and monitoring air pollution hotspots.

• Experts stress the need for long-term emission reduction efforts, not just temporary measures, to effectively deal with air pollution.

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has permitted the use of diesel generator (DG) sets for emergency services in NCR even during the GRAP restrictions till December 31 this year.