Delhi Government Steps Up Fight Against Winter Air Pollution with Electric Heaters
The Delhi government is taking a big step to tackle winter air pollution by distributing electric heaters to over 3,000 Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), forest guards, and unorganised industrial workers. These groups often burn biomass or waste for warmth, which worsens the city’s smog problem. The initiative kicked off on Friday, aiming to cut down on open fires and improve air quality.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called it a "landmark moment" for Delhi. "We’re not just handing out warnings anymore," he said. "Our government is stepping in with real solutions that help thousands of people." By providing these heaters, the plan is to stop harmful burning practices, protecting both the environment and public health. Sirsa emphasized that this is about strong leadership and supporting every Delhi resident with compassion.
In a virtual meeting on Friday, top officials from the Divisional Commissioner’s office, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Environment Department, and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) came together. They outlined a clear plan to assess needs and distribute the heaters fairly across RWAs. The Minister instructed the Divisional Commissioner to do a fresh survey of all RWAs, ensuring night watchmen get the heaters before winter hits.
The DSIIDC is funding this with about Rs 4.2 crore from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget. The Divisional Commissioner’s office will handle the direct rollout, while the Environment Department keeps a close watch on progress. The focus stays on RWAs, forest guards, and workers in unorganised sectors, so no one has to turn to polluting methods for staying warm.
This heater drive fits into Delhi’s broader year-round anti-pollution strategy. It includes cracking down on open burning, daily inspections, better reporting, and public awareness campaigns. The government is also pushing hard on waste management to boost clean air efforts.
On the waste front, Delhi is ramping up biomining at major landfills like Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla. These operations now process over 10,000 tonnes of waste daily, cutting methane emissions through smart sorting and excavation. New rules require quarterly fire drills, CCTV cameras, and gas detectors at sites to prevent fires. So far this year, these steps have stopped any major incidents, helping the city move toward 100% waste processing and fewer environmental risks.
Overall, these moves show Delhi’s commitment to cleaner air, safer living, and dignity for all. With winter pollution a big worry every year, initiatives like electric heater distribution and advanced waste management could make a real difference for millions of residents.
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