Backed by World Bank, Delhi draws up 7-year plan to tackle air pollution, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi government has launched a seven-year air pollution mitigation plan, 'Swachh Hawa, Swasth Delhi', with an estimated outlay of Rs 8,300 crore.
• The World Bank will provide 65% financial assistance for the project, with the Delhi government bearing the remaining 35%.
• The plan is scheduled for implementation from September 2026 to August 2033.
• It aims to strengthen air quality management and reduce emissions from major sources like vehicles, road dust, and construction waste.
• The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

Detailed Insights:

• The project seeks to accelerate Delhi's existing air pollution mitigation efforts and contribute to national goals.
• A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established for mission-mode implementation and advanced air quality monitoring.
• The plan includes developing data analytics and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)-based monitoring systems.
• It emphasizes inter-departmental coordination and collaboration with Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) states for airshed-based pollution management.
• Key measures involve accelerating the phase-out of polluting vehicles and expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
• Public transport infrastructure will be improved, alongside advanced Pollution Under Control (PUC) systems.
• Dust control measures include road redevelopment, mechanised cleaning, and innovative dust suppression technologies.
• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste management will be strengthened, promoting Recycled Aggregate Manufacturing Systems (RAMS).
• The plan also addresses municipal solid waste management to prevent open burning and landfill fires.
• Support for cleaner industrial operations through technology adoption and compliance mechanisms is a focus area.
• Enhancing green cover through plantation activities and improving water pollution management are also part of the project.
• Innovative interventions like low-emission zones and green public spaces are under discussion for piloting.
• The NCAP was launched by the Centre in 2019 to curb pollution in major cities across India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A national-level program launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to improve air quality in 131 cities across India.
• Viksit Bharat 2047: India's vision to become a developed nation by its 100th anniversary of independence in 2047, encompassing economic prosperity, social advancement, and environmental sustainability.
• World Bank: An international financial institution that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for various projects.
• Airshed Management: A regional approach to air quality management that considers geographical and meteorological factors influencing pollution dispersion across administrative boundaries.
• Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC): A centralized hub in smart cities that integrates data from various sources for real-time monitoring, analysis, and decision-making in urban management.
• Recycled Aggregate Manufacturing Systems (RAMS): Systems that process construction and demolition waste into usable aggregates, promoting resource recycling and reducing landfill waste.