New Delhi, Oct 18: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has reached out to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, urging the organization of a joint meeting with the environment ministers of NCR states to address the pressing issue of air pollution in the national capital during the winter season.
Highlighting that 31 percent of Delhi’s pollution originates from internal sources, while 69 percent is attributed to external sources, Rai emphasized the need for collective efforts. Despite the Delhi government’s implementation of the Winter Action Plan to combat pollution, Rai stressed that without addressing contributing factors in NCR states, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited. In a communiqué, the Office of the Environment Minister conveyed the necessity of an early joint meeting with NCR states’ environment ministers.
Rai called on the Union Environment Minister to facilitate this collaborative meeting promptly, emphasizing the importance of devising an action plan to mitigate pollution levels.
In his letter, Rai underscored the significant rise in pollution during Delhi’s winter season. The city’s government has formulated a Winter Action Plan based on 15 focal points, with ongoing efforts to implement it. Despite a 30 percent reduction in pollution over the past 8 years due to Delhi government measures, Rai stressed that coordinated efforts with NCR states are crucial. A report from the CSE revealed that 31 percent of Delhi’s pollution is from internal sources, while 69 percent is attributed to external sources.”
