'Milkar chalein aur pradushan se ladein'--theme for the 2024 Winter Action Plan : Environment Minister Gopal Rai

New Delhi [India], September 25 (ANI): Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai in a press conference here on Wednesday said that this year's winter action plan's theme is 'Milkar chalein aur pradushan se ladein.'
Speaking to the media persons, Rai said, 'This year's Winter Action Plan's main theme is 'Milkar chalein aur pradushan se ladein.' Our government will go ahead with implementing the winter action plan with this theme. As a result of our collective efforts, the pollution level in Delhi has decreased. In 2016, a total of 243 days were polluted. In 2023, the number dropped to 159 days, which is a 34.6 per cent drop. This drop is due to the efforts of the government as well as the contribution of the people and their awareness. This dropping level of pollution has been possible because of ten action plans by the government."
Speaking about the ten long-term plans that have helped in the reduction of pollution, he said that the most prominent one was the tree plantation campaign.
"Out of the 10 action plans that were implemented by the government to reduce pollution, the tree plantation campaign has been the most prominent. Delhi's green belt has increased to 23.01 per cent. We have also reduced the cutting of trees. Additionally, Delhi has 7545 buses on the road today, out of which there are two thousand electric buses. Our EV policy has encouraged people to move towards EV vehicles and today there are more than three lakh EVs in Delhi," he said.
Speaking about the 2024 Winter Action Plan, Rai said that drone monitoring of hotspots and several other measures will be taken.
"The last time, our action plan was 14 points based, however this year it will have 21 points. Based on the Winter action plan, we have formed 21 points based on which we are working. There will be drone monitoring, the formation of a 6-member STF to stop pollution, and the anti-dust campaign will start on October 7. All agencies - private and government have time until October 7, if they do not meet the parameters by then, action will begin against them. Guidelines have been issued for this. All construction sites over 500 meters will have to be registered on the porta and all workers of these sites will undergo training to reduce pollution. Additionally, 85 road-sweeping machines are being deployed, and 500 water-sprinkling machines will also be used. This time, 200 mobile anti-smog guns will be launched. This time, it has been decided that from November to December, water sprinkling will be increased three times so that pollution level can be controlled," Rai said.
Further, he added that four public participation campaigns will also be run here and the Harit Kalash Yatra will be run by women to create awareness about plants.
"Additionally, four campaign programs will also be run in Delhi. A Harit Kalash Yatra will be also be taken out by women to create awareness about plants and the women will be carrying plants on their heads," Rai said.
Rai also spoke about the 'Hari Ratna Award' which would be given to agencies, private companies and anyone from the private or government sector who would control pollution.
"The government has also decided awarding the 'Hari Ratna Award' to any agency, private construction agency, company, or government employee, that performs the best to control pollution. This award will be given to encourage people to reduce pollution," he said
Further, he added that the rise in pollution levels in NCR states also impacts Delhi and the Central Government has been required to bring down the level.
"The rise in the pollution levels in NCR states also impacts Delhi. We need a Central Government to bring down this level. When all agencies and governments work together, then only it is possible to combat the problem of pollution effectively," Rai said. (ANI)