Delhi Government’s Major Step to Control Rising Pollution
The Delhi government has taken a significant decision to combat the rising pollution levels in the capital. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday that vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to refuel with petrol or diesel after March 31. To enforce this, a special team will be formed to identify and restrict such vehicles. This initiative aims to reduce vehicular emissions, which are one of the primary contributors to Delhi’s worsening air quality.
Key Measures to Control Pollution
- Ban on Refueling Old Vehicles
One of the most drastic steps taken by the government is the ban on refueling petrol and diesel vehicles that are more than 15 years old. This move is expected to push vehicle owners to either switch to electric vehicles (EVs) or scrap their outdated vehicles, thereby reducing harmful emissions from outdated engines.
- Mandatory Installation of Anti-Smog Guns
To tackle dust and air pollution, the Delhi government has made it mandatory for large establishments to install anti-smog guns. These include:
Major hotels
Large office complexes
Delhi Airport
Big construction sites
Anti-smog guns spray fine water droplets into the air, which helps settle dust particles and reduce smog, significantly improving air quality.
- Cloud Seeding to Induce Rainfall
In an innovative approach, the Delhi government has decided to pursue cloud seeding technology to artificially induce rain whenever pollution levels become severe. This method involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or salt particles into the clouds to stimulate rainfall, which helps clear airborne pollutants and improve air quality.
Impact of These Measures
- Reduction in Vehicular Pollution
With older, high-emission vehicles removed from Delhi’s roads, carbon emissions and particulate matter levels are expected to decline.
Citizens will be encouraged to shift towards eco-friendly transport options, such as electric vehicles or public transportation.
- Improved Air Quality
The mandatory use of anti-smog guns will control dust pollution from large sites, which is a major contributor to PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels.
Cloud seeding could provide temporary relief during peak pollution seasons, such as winter, when Delhi experiences extreme smog due to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.
- Stricter Implementation and Monitoring
The formation of a special monitoring team will ensure that these measures are implemented effectively.
Violators of the anti-smog gun rule or those refueling banned vehicles may face penalties.
The Delhi government’s multi-pronged approach to pollution control reflects a strong commitment to improving air quality and public health. The ban on old vehicles, mandatory anti-smog guns, and cloud seeding are significant steps toward reducing pollution. However, the success of these measures will depend on strict enforcement, public cooperation, and long-term sustainable solutions like promoting electric mobility, expanding green spaces, and improving public transport. If executed effectively, this initiative could set an example for other cities struggling with air pollution.
