Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai Seeks "Positive Suggestions" from BJP, Congress to tackle pollution

New Delhi [India], September 3 : Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday wrote to Delhi state unit presidents of Congress and BJP, seeking positive suggestions for incorporation into the Winter Action Plan aimed at reducing pollution in Delhi.
In the letter to Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Virendra Sachdeva and Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, Rai highlighted the various initiatives taken by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to address the issue.
Rai stated in his letter that Delhi has seen a reduction of approximately 30% in pollution over the past nine years.
"The Delhi government has taken numerous stringent steps to reduce air pollution, leading to an increase in the number of good, satisfactory, and moderate air quality days. In 2016, there were 110 such days, which increased to 206 in 2023. The concentrations of pollutants measured by PM 2.5 and PM 10 have also decreased. In 2014, the average annual PM 10 level in Delhi was 324, which dropped to 219 by 2023," Rai said in his letter.
While citing the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), he said, "CPCB conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) indicates that pollution levels in Delhi have decreased by 45% from 2012-14 to 2021-23.".
He noted that the Delhi government has been continuously working on both long-term and short-term plans to reduce air pollution.
He pointed to the efforts of the Delhi government in reducing the pollution from vehicles.
"The government has successfully reduced pollution by implementing the 'Summer Action Plan' and 'Winter Action Plan' in collaboration with all relevant departments. Today, under the EV policy, approximately 13-16% of private vehicles purchased in Delhi are electric. Delhi is the first state in the country to introduce nearly 2,000 electric buses to reduce vehicle emissions. By deploying electric buses, the government has reduced vehicle-related pollution. Additionally, by guaranteeing 24-hour electricity, we have eliminated generator smoke from within Delhi," the letter read.
Further revealing about the government's plan, he said, "The Delhi government is prepared to undertake artificial rainfall measures to address the pollution crisis."
He urged both leaders to give positive suggestions to address the pollution problem.
"We request you to promptly provide any positive suggestions you may have regarding the above three points that could help in reducing pollution in Delhi. Your feedback will be included in the action plan. Our objective is to reduce pollution in Delhi," Rai's letter read.