CM Rekha Calls Delhi Pollution A Legacy Crisis, Promises Long-Term Plan To Clean Air, Yamuna And Waste System

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called air pollution and the worsening condition of the Yamuna River "legacy problems" that have built up over many years. She said these challenges cannot be solved overnight and require consistent, long-term planning rather than short-term fixes.

In a recent interaction, the Chief Minister explained that her government is focusing on structural reforms to improve Delhi's air quality and clean the Yamuna. She emphasised that tackling pollution requires coordinated work on air, water, dust, and waste management together.

Delhi Air Pollution: A Long-Term Challenge

Speaking about Delhi's air pollution to ANI, Rekha Gupta said temporary measures such as GRAP restrictions, odd-even schemes, anti-smog guns, and artificial rain were never intended to be permanent solutions. According to her, these steps can only offer short-term relief during peak pollution periods.

She stressed that the real solution lies in addressing the root causes of pollution. These include vehicle emissions, dust from roads and construction sites, and improper waste management. Without fixing these core issues, she said, air quality will continue to worsen.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that public transport expansion had not kept pace with the city's growing population. She believes improving public transport and reducing dependence on private vehicles will play a key role in reducing pollution levels in the capital.

Allegations Against Previous Governments

Rekha Gupta criticised previous administrations, especially the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for focusing on temporary measures instead of long-term reforms. She said earlier governments often relied on visible steps like sprinklers and anti-smog guns, which provided only limited relief.

According to her, stronger action should have been taken earlier on improving public transport, managing road dust, and handling waste more efficiently. She added that her government is now working on a comprehensive strategy to tackle these issues at their source.

Public Transport and Zero-Emission Push

One of the main areas of focus for the current government is improving public transport. Rekha Gupta said Delhi currently has around 3,600 buses and that 1,700 new buses have been added since her government took office.

The plan is to increase the fleet to 7,700 buses by December 2026 and eventually reach the required strength of 11,000 buses by 2028. She said the government is also working towards shifting public transport to zero-emission options to reduce pollution.

In addition to buses, the government is promoting metro expansion and last-mile connectivity through e-autos, e-bikes, and bicycles. These steps are aimed at making public transport more accessible and encouraging people to reduce the use of private vehicles.

Waste Management and Landfill Cleanup

The Chief Minister also highlighted waste management as a major contributor to pollution. Delhi generates nearly 11,000 metric tonnes of waste every day, much of which was not properly processed in the past. This led to the growth of large garbage mountains across the city.

She said efforts are now being made to clear major landfill sites. The Okhla and Bhalswa landfills are expected to be cleaned by 2026, while work at the Ghazipur landfill may take slightly longer.

To reduce dust pollution from roads, the government is also improving coordination between departments. Earlier, roads were often dug up repeatedly by different agencies, increasing dust levels. New ducting systems and accountability measures are being introduced to avoid such issues.

Cleaning the Yamuna and Improving the Environment

Rekha Gupta said cleaning the Yamuna is another priority for her government. She described the condition of the river as a result of years of neglect and said a structured plan is being implemented to restore it.

According to the Chief Minister, solving Delhi's environmental problems will take time and cooperation across departments and communities. She said the government is committed to working on lasting solutions that improve both air quality and water conditions in the capital.