The Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Tuesday approved several key measures aimed at tackling pollution and enhancing environmental governance in the capital, a government press release stated.
Announcing the decisions, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiatives are expected to “significantly reduce sources of air and water pollution while fostering a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.”
Among the measures, the Cabinet sanctioned Rs. 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under Delhi government control. Delhi has around 1,000 water bodies, 160 of which fall under the government’s jurisdiction.
“The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies is critical for pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that full financial support be provided to complete this work within the year,” Sirsa said.
Earlier, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had allocated Rs. 19 crore for this initiative. With the additional Rs. 100 crore, the government aims to achieve complete restoration of all identified water bodies. The Minister also mentioned that follow-ups with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) would ensure similar action on their part.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi’s first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spanning 11.5 acres. The facility will follow strict pollution norms and operate on a fully circular, zero-waste model.
“This will be India’s first state-of-the-art e-waste facility designed with zero pollution and zero waste principles. The plant will fully recycle and reuse water using an advanced recirculation system,” Sirsa said, emphasizing that the project will set a benchmark for sustainable e-waste management and contribute to Delhi’s clean industrial infrastructure.
In another decision, operational control of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will be transferred from the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) to DTC starting next financial year.
“Bringing all bus operations under DTC will improve service efficiency, enable rationalization of routes, and provide better employment stability for drivers and conductors currently working under outsourced arrangements,” Sirsa said. The move is expected to enhance route planning, accountability, and unify command within Delhi’s public transport network.
The government also announced that the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ campaign will continue even after GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) restrictions are lifted, reinforcing year-round compliance with vehicle emission norms.
“Vehicle pollution is a major contributor to Delhi’s air quality problems. Driving without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate is equivalent to committing a crime against the city’s air,” Sirsa said. Inspections recently revealed irregularities at 12 PUCC centres, and ongoing verification will ensure strict adherence to pollution norms.
Further actions include issuing closure notices to 411 polluting industries by DPCC and sealing 400 more by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), totaling over 800 enforcement actions to control pollution.
Four new Automated Vehicle Testing Stations (ATS) will soon be operational to enforce stricter emissions and fitness checks for commercial vehicles.
Amendments to the ASG mandate for high-rise buildings now allow the installation of mist-based dust suppression systems, already in use at key locations like ITO.
Sirsa added, “We are enforcing the toughest standards so that no polluter escapes accountability. From factories to fuel stations, every source of pollution will be monitored rigorously.”
