CM Rekha Gupta Launches ‘Clean Air, Healthy Delhi’ Project With World Bank Partnership

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced the launch of a large-scale Rs 8,300 crore initiative titled the ‘Clean Air, Healthy Delhi’ project, aimed at tackling the city’s persistent air pollution problem with financial and technical support from the World Bank and other multilateral institutions. The programme is being positioned as a long-term intervention to improve air quality, strengthen public health, and support sustainable urban development in the national capital.

The Chief Minister said the Environment Department-led project will be implemented over seven years, from September 2026 to August 2033, and will be rolled out across all districts of Delhi. The funding structure will include 65 per cent assistance from the World Bank, while the remaining 35 per cent will be contributed by the Delhi Government. Officials said the project is aligned with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and India’s broader ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.

A key preparatory workshop has been scheduled for July 10 to finalise implementation strategies and strengthen coordination among departments. According to officials, the workshop will define the responsibilities of various agencies involved and establish a clear roadmap for execution. The government aims to ensure structured planning before the programme moves into its operational phase.

Also Read: Bhupendra Patel Launches Cleanliness Drive Across 11,935 Government Health Institutions

The project will focus on major pollution sources, including transport emissions, road dust, construction and demolition waste, solid waste management, industrial pollution, green cover expansion, and water pollution control. A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) will also be established to oversee execution, along with advanced monitoring systems and an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to track air quality in real time.

Under its second pillar, the initiative will target emission reduction through stricter vehicle regulations and cleaner mobility solutions. Older and more polluting vehicles will be phased out, while electric vehicle adoption will be encouraged and public transport systems strengthened. The government also plans to introduce an upgraded Pollution Under Control (PUC) system to monitor vehicular emissions more effectively.

The project will involve coordination among multiple agencies, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Transport Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and other civic bodies. Officials said the initiative is not only a pollution control programme but also a long-term investment in cleaner air and improved quality of life for residents of the capital.

Also Read: Gujarat CM Launches 24th Shala Praveshotsav At PM Modi’s School, Notes Dropout Decline