*AAP Govt to conduct an anti-open burning campaign until December 6 in Delhi under its Winter Action Plan*
*Environment Minister Gopal Rai holds review meeting with officials from concerned departments at Delhi Secretariat to discuss Winter Action Plan’s progress*
*As part of Anti-Open Burning Campaign, 588 patrolling teams from various departments will be deployed: Gopal Rai*
*These teams will monitor and prevent incidents of open burning in Delhi around the clock: Gopal Rai*
*Under Anti-Dust Campaign, 7,927 construction sites have been inspected so far, with fines totaling Rs 63 lakh imposed: Gopal Rai*
*To reduce open burning of biomass, government departments, RWAs, and construction agencies have been instructed to provide electric heaters to security guards: Gopal Rai*
NEW DELHI:05.11.24-In response to the alarming pollution levels across Delhi and neighboring regions, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has launched a comprehensive anti-pollution campaign to mitigate the effects of declining air quality post-Diwali. Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a coordinated plan under the Winter Action Plan and GRAP, engaging 33 departments to enforce stricter measures. The campaign includes deploying anti-smog guns, regulating construction sites, and providing heaters for night workers to prevent open fires, aiming to safeguard public health and improve air quality over the coming days.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai noted that since Diwali, AQI levels in Delhi and neighboring North Indian states have been consistently high, fluctuating between 300 and 400. And, as per meteorological experts, the next ten days are expected to bring adverse weather conditions, with lower temperatures and reduced wind speeds.
“In light of these conditions, we’ve met with officials from 33 departments in Delhi to review current actions and strategize on implementing the Winter Action Plan and GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) rules more effectively in the coming days,” he stated. All departments have been placed on high alert and instructed to act proactively in curbing the rising pollution levels.
Minister Gopal Rai stated, “With recent festivals, many personnel were on leave, but today all departments have been instructed to resume anti-pollution campaigns with full force.” Starting tomorrow, the campaign will be led by MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi), Revenue Department, NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council), DDA (Delhi Development Authority), Irrigation & Flood Department, DSIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation), with 588 teams across these departments for coordinated action.”
He said, “These teams will be deployed in the field to control incidents of open burning. Additionally, departments have been instructed to provide heaters for those working night shifts in both government and private sectors, especially at construction sites, to reduce the reliance on open fires.”
Minister Gopal Rai remarked that last year, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) provided heaters to security guards across various societies. This year, he has mandated that all government departments ensure heaters are available for night-shift employees at both offices and construction sites.
He further emphasized, “Additionally, any construction site exceeding 500 square meters—regardless of whether it is privately or government-run—must provide heaters for their night-duty workers, including security guards, to help prevent open fires.”
The Environment Minister announced the launch of an anti-open burning campaign in two stages. Gopal Rai stated, “First, teams will visit sites to address burning incidents, and second, both government and private construction sites must provide heaters to reduce the need for open fires. This campaign will begin tomorrow.”
He further noted, “As I mentioned, Delhi is already implementing a campaign to control dust pollution. To date, 7,927 sites have been inspected, with 428 identified as being in major violation. Fines totaling 63 lakh rupees have been imposed on construction sites that are not complying with Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management rules. For road dust control, 68 static anti-smog guns have been installed in different locations, particularly on tall buildings.”
Minister Gopal Rai stated that 146 anti-smog guns have been installed on high-rise buildings, along with 200 mobile anti-smog guns deployed across various assembly constituencies and hotspots. An ongoing campaign has also been initiated to address vehicular pollution.
“Since the implementation of the Winter Action Plan in October, 76,558 vehicle challans have been issued for pollution violations, and 3,248 old vehicles have been impounded due to pollution concerns. In Delhi, a campaign for spraying bio-decomposers to manage stubble burning is currently underway, covering 3,258 acres so far, with directives to expedite these efforts in other areas,” he shared.
The Delhi Minister stated, “We are making every effort to intensify our campaign with the cooperation of Delhi residents. I also urge neighboring states with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments to enhance their initiatives as well. Collective efforts will have a greater impact on reducing pollution levels, enabling us to achieve more success in controlling pollution.”
Minister Gopal Rai concluded by making a heartfelt request to the Union Environment Minister: “Pollution levels in Delhi and northern India have crossed the 400 mark, and the next ten days are critical.” He urged the union environment minister to assist in obtaining permission for artificial rain and to convene a meeting on the issue, expressing that such support would greatly benefit the people of Delhi and enhance their efforts to combat pollution
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*AAP Govt’s push for increasing connectivity to Outer Delhi; Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot flags-off buses on new route 783EXT*
*New bus route 783EXT to run from Central Secretariat to Dada Dev Mandir, covering key areas on 23.5 KM stretch*
*MLAs Bhavna Gaur and Bhupinder Singh Joon attend flag-off event*
*This new bus route reflects our strong commitment to providing Delhiites, especially those in outer areas and villages, with better and more reliable public transport- Kailash Gahlot*
*The launch of route 783EXT will make it easier for residents to reach important places like schools, colleges, hospitals, and workplaces- Kailash Gahlot*
*We aim to connect every corner of Delhi so people can travel conveniently and affordably- Kailash Gahlot*
NEW DELHI- 05.11.24- In a major step to improve public transport and connect outer regions and villages in Delhi, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot flagged off buses on the newly introduced route 783EXT. Palam MLA Bhavna Gaur and Bijwasan MLA Bhupinder Singh Joon were also present at the flag-off event. The newly introduced bus route 783EXT, will run from Central Secretariat to Dada Dev Mandir in Palam, covering a distance of 23.5 kilometers and serving multiple key areas and educational institutions. Electric buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will ply this route, providing an eco-friendly option for commuters.
Flagging off the new bus service, Delhi’s Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot remarked, “This new bus route reflects our strong commitment to providing Delhiites, especially those in outer areas and villages, with better and more reliable public transport. The launch of route 783EXT will make it easier for residents to reach important places like schools, colleges, hospitals, and workplaces. We aim to connect every corner of Delhi so people can travel conveniently and affordably. This service is also part of our push for pollution-free, greener, cleaner travel options for Delhiiites.”
The 783EXT route is expected to benefit various areas in Bijwasan and Palam, including Raj Nagar, Raj Nagar Extension, Dwarka, and several educational institutions like Shiksha Bharti College, Vishwa Bharti Public School, and Central Sanskrit University. Health and research facilities, including the National Institute of Malaria Research, will also see improved accessibility.
*Detailed Route of 783Ext. (UP)*
Central Secretariat
Gurudwara Rakab Ganj
Kendriya Terminal
NDPO
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Patel Chowk
Akashvani Bhawan
Krishi Bhawan
Udyog Bhawan
G Block
Sena Bhavan
Tyaag Raja Marg
South Block
Teen Murti
Chanakya Puri Police Station
Railway Colony
Bapu Dham
Taj Hotel
Dhaula Kuan
Golf Club
Raj Rif Line
Kirbi Place
Supply Depot
Janak Setu
Nangal Raya
Lajwanti Garden
Sagar Pur Vashist Park
DESU Colony, Janakpuri
Janak Cinema
Dabri Crossing
Dabri Village
Dashrathpuri
Vijay Enclave
Mahavir Enclave Part II, III
SFS Flat Sector-2
Dwarka Sector 1/2
Dwarka Sector-6 Telephone Exchange
Dwarka Sector 6/7 Crossing
Prince Park Apartments
Dwarka Sector-7 Prince Park
Dwarka Sector
Dwarka Sector-6/7, 9/10 Crossing
Shiksha Bharti Public School
Amrahi Crossing (Ramphal Chawl)
Royal Residency
National Malaria, Anusandhan Kendra
Dev Dev Mandir (Palam)
*Detailed Route of 783Ext. (DOWN)*
Dada Dev Mandir (Palam)
National Malaria Anusandhan Kendra
Royal Residency
Amrahi Crossing (Ramphal Chawl)
Shiksha Bharti Public School
Dwarka Sector-6/7, 9/10 Crossing
Dwarka Sector-7 Prince Park
Dwarka Sector
Prince Park Apartments
Dwarka Sector 6/7 Crossing
Dwarka Sector-6 Telephone Exchange
Dwarka Sector 1/2
SFS Flat Sector-2
Mahavir Enclave Part II, III
Vijay Enclave
Dashrathpuri
Dabri Village
Dabri Crossing
Janak Cinema
DESU Colony, Janakpuri
Sagar Pur Vashist Park
Lajwanti Garden
Nangal Raya
Janak Setu
Supply Depot
Kirbi Place
Raj Rif Line
Golf Club
Dhaula Kuan
Taj Hotel
Bapu Dham
Railway Colony
Chanakya Puri Police Station
Teen Murti
South Block
Tyaag Raja Marg
Sena Bhavan
G Block
Udyog Bhawan
Krishi Bhawan
Akashvani Bhawan
Patel Chowk
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
NDPO
Kendriya Terminal
Gurudwara Rakab Ganj
Central Secretariat
The route will provide much-needed connectivity, easing transportation challenges for thousands of residents.