The Delhi government has already begun preparations to tackle the rise in pollution during the winter season. The government has identified approximately 78,000 old heavy vehicles in the capital. Vehicle owners will be encouraged to replace these vehicles with cleaner, low-pollution alternatives in a phased manner. Under the government’s plan, people will be motivated to switch from old heavy vehicles to BS-6, CNG, or electric vehicles. Plans are in place to offer financial incentives to vehicle owners, including benefits such as tax exemptions and subsidies.
Increased Monitoring of Dust Pollution
The Delhi government has intensified monitoring of dust-related pollution. According to officials, an anti-pollution portal launched in July is being used to identify locations where pollution control norms are not being followed. Through this initiative, AI-equipped cameras have identified around 2,000 locations where rule violations were detected.
Solutions to be Found at the Local Level
According to a senior government official, Deputy Commissioners, District Magistrates, and other officials will identify major traffic congestion points and pollution hotspots within their respective districts. Subsequently, necessary measures to resolve these issues will be implemented at the local level.
Plan to Replace Old Vehicles with Central Assistance
The Delhi government is advancing its campaign to phase out old, high-pollution vehicles under the Central Government’s ₹9,585 crore ‘Parivartan’ scheme. The objective of this scheme is to promote the use of low-pollution commercial vehicles in the NCT of Delhi as well as in the NCR districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Identification of 78,000 BS-3 and BS-4 Heavy Vehicles in Delhi
Officials report that approximately 78,000 heavy vehicles belonging to the BS-3 and BS-4 categories, registered in Delhi, have been identified. Vehicle owners are being encouraged to replace them with cleaner vehicles. Currently, the process of replacing old vehicles remains entirely voluntary. The government is focusing on raising awareness among vehicle owners about the pollution caused by older vehicles and encouraging them to adopt newer, less polluting alternatives. Financial benefits, such as tax exemptions and subsidies, will be provided to facilitate this transition.
Government to Provide Financial Benefits
Under the ‘Parivartan’ scheme, the Central Government is providing assistance worth ₹5,041 crore. Through this initiative, eligible beneficiaries purchasing new BS-6 diesel or CNG vehicles, or electric vehicles, will receive various financial concessions. The scheme includes provisions for a 100% exemption on motor vehicle tax and a complete waiver of registration fees. Additionally, a 5% interest subsidy will be provided on loans taken to purchase these vehicles. Furthermore, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) participating in the scheme may offer an additional discount of up to 8% on the purchase of new vehicles. The government aims to accelerate the process of replacing older, high-polluting commercial vehicles with cleaner alternatives through these financial incentives.
Emphasis on Afforestation and Debris Management
Alongside tackling pollution, the Delhi government is working to expand green cover and improve the management of construction and demolition debris. According to a senior official, the number of collection centers for construction and demolition waste in the capital has been increased from 106 to 125. Meanwhile, the government has set a target of planting 70 lakh saplings as part of its green initiative. The official stated that approximately 60 lakh saplings have been planted so far, and the plantation drive is ongoing. The government aims to boost Delhi’s green cover and alleviate environmental stress by achieving this target.
