Civil Defense volunteers to ensure strict implementation of anti-pollution campaign in Delhi, ET EnergyWorld

New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday said the AAP government’s ongoing anti-pollution drive would be intensified with the deployment of civil defense volunteers to check violations and restrict entry of diesel bus in the national capital. The Central Pollution Control Board on Monday invoked the second stage of the phased response action plan in the national capital over deteriorating air quality levels, imposing restrictions on the use of coal and firewood as well as diesel generators.

Briefing the media about the government’s ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign, Rai said his department had written to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to cooperate in implementing the ban on private diesel buses entering the the city.

Rai said a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, chaired by Chief Minister Atishi, was held to discuss the next phase of the implementation of GRAP II.

It was decided that the government would deploy Civil Defense volunteers to reinforce the ongoing campaign, the minister said.

The volunteers will work alongside traffic police and agencies such as the MCD, DPCC and NDMC to ensure faster implementation of anti-pollution measures, including anti-dust campaigns and efforts to reduce traffic jams, Rai said.

“Civil Defense volunteers will provide assistance on the ground for the next four months,” said Mr. Rai.

The minister also said the government was considering strengthening controls at Delhi’s borders, with a special focus on restricting the entry of diesel buses.

The department has written to neighboring states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, to cooperate in enforcing the ban on private diesel buses entering Delhi, he said.

Speaking about the ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign, the minister said stickers are pasted on rickshaws and vehicles at fuel stations to encourage drivers to switch off their engines at red lights.

The minister said that on average, people pass through 10 to 15 red lights during their journey, wasting up to 30 minutes of fuel per day. “This campaign aims to reduce this unnecessary fuel consumption,” he said.

The aim is to raise awareness about reducing local pollution and fuel waste, both of which contribute to the city’s deteriorating air quality.

“Delhi burns unnecessary fuel for hours at traffic signals, and we are working to reduce this through public participation,” Rai added.