Rekha Gupta on Friday asserted that “Delhi will breathe better” as she announced an ambitious target to significantly improve the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) by October this year. Speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit, the Delhi Chief Minister outlined her government’s strategy to tackle pollution and improve environmental conditions in the national capital.
Addressing the summit, Rekha Gupta said the government is working on a multi-pronged approach to reduce air pollution, control dust emissions, improve waste management, and strengthen green infrastructure across the city. She emphasized that pollution control is among the administration’s highest priorities and promised visible improvement in air quality before the onset of winter.
“Delhi will breathe better. We have set a clear target for October, and every department is working with accountability and urgency,” Gupta said during her address.
The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives being implemented to improve AQI levels, including increased deployment of anti-smog guns, stricter monitoring of construction activities, expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, mechanized road cleaning, and plantation drives across the city.
She also stressed the importance of coordination between neighbouring states and central agencies, noting that pollution in Delhi is influenced by multiple regional factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and stubble burning during winter months.
According to officials, the Delhi government is preparing a comprehensive action plan ahead of the high-pollution season, with special focus on hotspot areas known for consistently poor AQI readings. Advanced monitoring systems and real-time enforcement mechanisms are also expected to play a key role in the strategy.
Environmental experts welcomed the focus on accountability and long-term planning but noted that sustained implementation and regional cooperation would be critical for achieving meaningful improvements in air quality.
The Rising Bharat Summit featured discussions on governance, infrastructure, sustainability, and economic development, with leaders and policymakers sharing their vision for India’s future growth.
Delhi has struggled with severe air pollution for several years, especially during winter, when AQI levels often enter the “severe” category. Governments at both the state and central levels have introduced multiple measures over the years to address the crisis, though challenges remain significant.
Rekha Gupta expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts and public participation, Delhi could make substantial progress toward cleaner air and a healthier urban environment in the coming months.
