New Delhi, June 6 (FN Agency) On World Environment Day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday called on Delhiites to turn the fight against pollution into a mass movement. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the CM emphasised the need for collective action to create an environment where citizens can thrive in a state of well-being, enjoying clean air and pure water. He expressed his gratitude to Delhiites for their dedicated efforts over the past year, which has resulted in a remarkable achievement — the simultaneous progress of rapid development and a significant reduction in pollution levels, the Chief Minister’s office communiqué said. Kejriwal announced that the levels of PM-2.5 and PM-10 pollutants in the national capital have witnessed a remarkable 30 percent decline in 2022 when compared to 2016, reflecting the effectiveness of the city’s pollution control measures.
Delhi’s air quality has seen a remarkable improvement over the years. In 2016, the city experienced 26 days of poor air quality, whereas in 2022, this number plummeted to only 6 bad-air days. Conversely, the number of clean air days rose from 109 in 2016 to an impressive 163 in 2022, illustrating the positive impact of the government’s relentless pursuit of cleaner air for its citizens, it said. The CM highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Delhi government to combat pollution, including tree transplantation, the implementation of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in industries, and the utilisation of Real-Time Source Apportionment Technology. Moreover, the government has identified and is actively working on 13 pollution hotspots. These multifaceted interventions underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to curbing pollution and safeguarding the health and well-being of Delhi’s residents, it added.
In addition to these efforts, Kejriwal mentioned the successful implementation of the ‘Yuddh Pradushan Ke Virrudh’ campaign, and efforts aimed at reducing pollution caused by stubble burning. Through the use of bio-decomposer solution, the city has witnessed a significant decline in stubble burning incidents, leading to improved air quality and the well-being of its citizens. Delhi’s green cover has also experienced remarkable growth over the years. The city’s green cover has expanded from 20 percent to an impressive 23 percent, signifying the government’s commitment to environmental conservation. Building upon this achievement, the Delhi government has set an ambitious target of planting 52 lakh saplings this year, demonstrating its determination to foster a greener and healthier future for all.