Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa Announces Carpool App and Pollution Measures

The Delhi government on Wednesday announced a comprehensive plan to combat air pollution, including overhauling the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) system, launching a dedicated carpooling app, and providing ₹2,700 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over the next ten years for road cleaning and waste management. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa outlined these measures at a press conference.

Highlighting flaws in the current PUC system, Sirsa said the existing centres suffer from outdated processes and lack accountability. “A complete overhaul of the PUC system is being considered, with third-party monitoring to ensure transparency and efficiency,” he added. The initiative aims to curb vehicular emissions, one of the major contributors to Delhi’s pollution.

To reduce traffic congestion and private vehicle use, the government will introduce a carpooling application. “The app will be easy to use, allowing residents to offer or take carpool rides, promoting shared mobility and lowering emissions,” Sirsa explained. The measure is expected to ease congestion in major traffic hotspots across the city.

Also Read: Delhi Environment Minister Apologises for Severe Pollution, Says Issue Can’t Be Fixed in Months

The government will also deploy mechanical road sweepers, litter pickers, and water sprinklers to control dust and solid waste pollution. Sirsa stated, “Around 70 mechanical sweepers, 1,000 litter pickers, and 300 water sprinklers will be deployed citywide, with ₹2,700 crore provided to MCD over ten years to sustain these efforts.”

Additional initiatives include collaboration with Google Maps to identify pollution hotspots, integration of dynamic traffic signals to ease congestion, and expansion of Delhi’s electric bus fleet. “We currently have 3,400 electric buses, with 100 more to be flagged off soon,” said Sirsa, emphasizing the government’s commitment to cleaner transport.

Innovative technologies will also be tested, including titanium oxide-based ‘smog-eating’ photocatalytic surfaces in select areas, developed in collaboration with IIT Madras. Sirsa noted, “These coatings, already used in some global cities, can reduce nitrogen dioxide and harmful hydrocarbons, adding another layer to Delhi’s multi-pronged strategy against pollution.”

Also Read: Delhi Environment Minister Apologises for Severe Pollution, Says Issue Can’t Be Fixed in Months