Delhi Tackles Pollution: Misting, Metro, and Waste Overhaul

The Delhi government has greenlit a robust strategy to combat air pollution and rejuvenate the Yamuna River, with measures extending up to 2028. This multi-faceted plan targets dust, transport emissions, waste management, and river pollution through short-term, mid-term, and long-term actions. Misting systems will be deployed at 62 pollution hotspots to mitigate PM2.5 levels, complementing expanded mechanical sweeping across the city.

Significant advancements are planned for waste management, aiming for all fresh municipal waste to be processed via waste-to-energy projects by 2026-27. The transport sector will see a substantial boost with the Delhi Metro's Phase 5 expansion and an increase in bus fleets to thousands by 2028, supported by enhanced last-mile connectivity options like e-autos and improved public transport access.

Cleaning the Yamuna is also a priority, with plans for additional biogas plants and mandatory effluent and sewage treatment plants for industries. Financial support for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will increase, expanding material recovery facilities to 250 city-wide. Collaborative discussions with neighboring states and the central government are slated to further bolster the Delhi-NCR air quality improvement efforts.