'Green' revolution

While keeping pace with development of the city, we have tried to maintain and increase Delhi's green cover. As per the latest Forest Survey of India Report, 20.2 per cent of Delhi’s geographical area is a green cover area. A novel concept of ‘city forest’ has been recognised and about 40 city forests have so far been created. Other landscape features in Delhi include the Ridge reserve forest (77.77 sq km), Asola wildlife sanctuary and the Bhatti wildlife sanctuary. Two large biodiversity parks covering 1,000 hectares of land have been created and maintained. Every year, more than one million tree saplings are distributed and planted, which has resulted in return of many flora and fauna which had disappeared. Financial assistance is being given to RWAs/NGOs for development and maintenance of parks and gardens. These are a few measures we've already taken. Many more are in the pipeline.

 

Air pollution was once very high in Delhi. The situation has now changed for the better. What are the major steps that helped in bringing down pollution?

In order to combat the problem of air pollution in the city, clean fuel (compressed natural gas) has been introduced in public transport and emission norms made more stringent. At present, we have more than 6,000 CNG buses. Ultra low sulphur diesel was introduced last year. Bharat Stage-IV emission norms (equivalent to EURO-IV) have been introduced. The metro rail network has been expanded. About 80 flyovers have been constructed to ease traffic congestion and to minimise idle time. We have adopted a policy of charging fee on diesel and have created an Air Ambience Fund by charging Rs 0.25 per litre of diesel sold. This fund has been utilised to extend fiscal incentives to battery-operated vehicles and for other initiatives. We are also switching over to gas-based power generation to reduce GHG emissions.

 

The government's 'no cracker Diwali' and 'Holi with natural colours’ campaigns have been highly successful but the ban on plastic bags has not been so effective. Why? 

The Delhi cabinet has approved a ban on plastic bags. As per the mandatory requirement, draft notification for blanket ban on manufacture, sales, storage and usage of plastic bags in the NCT of Delhi under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has been issued. Suggestions and objections have been invited.

 

Despite government's efforts the Clean Yamuna campaign has been dogged by hurdles. Why?

The Yamuna water quality is being continuously monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). In the stretch of 22 km between Wazirabad and Okhla, 22 drains fall into the river, out of which 18 major drains are directly emptying into the river. The Najafgarh drain is the major source of water pollution, contributing about 40.3 per cent of the effluents flowing into the river. DSIIDC has set up 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in various industrial areas. 

For cleaning the Yamuna, the work of laying interceptor sewers along the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains have been allotted. This will ensure that only treated sewage is discharged into the river. In all 21 STPs with a capacity of 512 MGD are treating domestic sewage of Delhi. Also a total of 290 shopping malls/construction projects have been brought into the ambit of pollution control laws. 

 

How will the trifurcation of MCD help the people of Delhi?

The MCD, with control over 96 per cent of the total area of Delhi, had become unmanageable, resulting in unsatisfactory delivery of services. The roads and sanitation were the worst affected. The trifurcation will bring municipal governance closer to the people. Further it will enhance efficiency and quality of services.

 

One major step that your government took recently is the 50 per cent reservation for women in MCD. How will this help improve governance?

Delhi has become the first state to grant 50 per cent reservation to women in municipal corporations. It will definitely bring a sea change in governance, apart from empowerment of women. It has been established beyond any doubt that women are capable of taking up any challenge and any post.

 

Is your government planning any other major project in the near future?

We are concentrating more on the social sector. However, we want to develop Delhi as a world class city with the tag of a world heritage city.